I recently acquired (through eBay) several Ampico piano rolls.  One of
the rolls I received has never been played, and has the original seal
intact.  I am curious to know if people feel this roll has any special
value.  Would it be wrong of me to break the seal to play this roll?

I am not one who collects for the purpose of increasing value, but
rather I enjoy hearing my pianos play.  To me, the music is most im-
portant.  However, I feel that some people might feel the seal should
not be broken.  I am just curious to know what people think about this
situation.

John W. Miller
Saint Paul MN

 [ The seal is traditionally an indication of authenticity, e.g., the
 [ impression of the writer's signet on a document, .  A sealed document
 [ (or bottle, etc.) also discourages casual handling, therefore the
 [ piano roll shouldn't show dirty fingerprints.  On the other hand,
 [ an unbroken seal suggests that no one was ever interested in the
 [ contents.  Maybe the piano rolls seal is more interesting than
 [ its music?  How will you find out?  ;)   -- Robbie