I have just brought home an Aeolian Themodist push-up player which
I purchased from Broken Hill, a very dry, hot semi-desert region
of Australia.  It was in the same family since new and must have
been extremely well looked after.

The original case can only be described as "near new" with a brilliant
shine and no crazing.  It has a half column up each side with a three-
knuckle claw effect up the top of each column.  Also some swirly carv-
ing above the pedal sliding doors.  It came with 50 rolls and I have
access to 40 more from the same family.  It's in good working condition
and works easily with one pedal.

I think it has had one rebuild a long time ago, as it has rubber tubing
that is hard but intact.  Also the motor and stack pneumatics are stiff
but intact.  The Themodist part works well and the Metrostyle tempo
pointer is still there.  All felts and labels are intact, other than
slap marks on the gold lettering on the top hinged door.  The serial
number is 42793, stamped on a small ivory plaque near the bass end
fingers.

Could somebody age it for me?  The patent dates stop at 1907, so could
I assume an age of around 1908?  Also, the hand crank used to adjust
the height is missing.  Any ideas where I could get another one or how
to make a replacement?  Could anyone in Australia give me an idea what
it is worth?  Any other related information would be greatly
appreciated.

Regards
Wayne Schmidt

P.S.  Thank you to all who replied to my dating and information of
Aeolian and Stroud in Australia.  I still don't know the age but
I have good contacts to follow up on.