Re: 990615 MMDigest

Replying to Jim Brady's request for information about dust and bugs in
musical boxes, I relate from my own experience. I collect early
keywinders and among them have been a few with woodworm. I have found
the safest solution for those boxes of a smaller size, is to remove
the movement and any hardware and place the box in a plastic bag and
put it in the freezer for a couple of weeks. It seems to do no damage
to the box and it kills any woodworm. I'm told it's effectiveness comes
from the shock of the temperature change, so don't  do it in the winter
if you live in the north.  I've also used zinc napthenate painted onto
the wood liberally, which was 100% effective but having done a tall
case clockcase in the winter, I must report that the smell almost
drove us from the house! The freezing is simple, effective with no
lingering aftereffects.