> I just found a "Rolmonica", it's sure different and I've never seen
> one even as a growing boy in the 'forties.  Do you know anything
> about them, and are the rolls for music available?  The one I found
> has two patent dates: 11-3-25 and 6-5-28, and says other patents
> pending.  It's made of genuine Bakelite and is 4" x 3-1/2" and is
> orange and black.  Can you help me?
>
> Ron - Daytona Beach
> blfrankie@mindspring.com

Hi, Ron:  Yes, these were made in the late 1920's, as suggested
by the patent dates you found.  Actually introduced in 1928 by the
Rolmonica Music Co. of Baltimore, MD.  They originally sold for
$1.00 and came with 4 rolls.  Extra rolls were sold in lots of 5
for 47 cents, postpaid!  Several models were manufactured.  They
are found often and are interesting items of 'mechanical music'.

I have seen Rolmonica Rolls for sale on eBay auction, and I have seen
some at marts of the Musical Box Society International of which I am
a member, so I can safely say rolls are available.  I believe that Ed
Schmidt may even be making recuts.  Try his site and see if I'm right
http://www.actionwebcreations.com/smr

Bill Wineburgh
http://members.aol.com/mboxmuseum/museum.html