Bob Loesch wrote in 011206 MMDigest:

> Dip about 1/4" of a wire paperclip or other small wire in 3-in-1 oil,
> sewing machine oil or a similar oil, and apply one small drop of that
> oil to the pivot at each end of the arbor (shaft) which holds the fly.
> (I use clock oil, being a clock repairman.)

Being a clock repairman, you should know the damage which can be done
by "3-in-1" oil over the years.

A drop of oil is all that is needed, but you don't want to use an oil
which very likely will harden over the years to a hard shellac.  You
should only use clock oil on a music box.  You can get clock oil at
clock repair supply shops, or even on the Internet, or you can get it
Nancy Fratti at Panchronia Antiques, tel.: 518-282-9770  or fax:
518-282-9800

When the box has stopped, use a toothpick and place only one drop on
the worm (the straight-endless gear), one at its pivots, and you can
oil at this time just a drop on other gears as well.  Let it run for
a few songs after you oil it.  Do not over-oil -- only a drop is
sufficient.

Eliyahu Shahar

 [ "3-in-1" oil contains acids to loosen rust and corrosion.
 [ It's okay for children's toys, but it shouldn't be used in fine
 [ machinery.  That's when "sewing machine oil" is recommended.
 [
 [ However, in defense of Bob's advice, the little music box movement
 [ may be slightly corroded, and so the acid-bearing oil might be
 [ a simple way to fix it without disassembling everything, which
 [ may not be worth the expense.  A replacement movement costs only
 [ a few dollars.  -- Robbie