My sincere thanks to Mr. Shenbarger and Mr. Munsick for their public
replies, and to all who responded to me privately.  All the replies
have been highly informative, and I'm delighted to have learned so much
so quickly.

We've not oiled the Reginas since we had them restored seven years ago
by a professional music box technician and we've felt guilty as a
result, but I guess we did the right thing out of sheer ignorance!

I've since put the zinc disks into padded sleeves to keep them from
further damage.  (All the disks are stored upright in a gorgeous oak
cabinet made by the original owner's father, who was a cabinet maker
from Germany.)  In this case, our ignorance was _not_ a good thing.

I've been directed by several respondents to the Music Box Society,
and that is where I'll focus some attention next.  I'm excited to learn
that the Lockwood-Matthews Mansion, which is less than an hour's drive
from where I live, has an exhibit hosted by the MBSI.

Thanks again to one and all.  My best wishes go out to everyone this
winter season.

Sincerely,
Diane H Kay