A good friend of mine was very lucky to buy a very nice Mermod Freres
cylinder box.  The box has two combs, altogether about 120 tongues, and
on each cylinder are 6 tunes; most of them had been very popular songs
in Europe in the past.

This box has only three interchangeable Cylinders; each is 18" long and
about 2-1/2" in diameter.  Under the movement, in the base of the box,
is a small drawer.  In this drawer is the possibility to store four
cylinders, so he thinks that one of the four got lost during the last
110 years.  (We think the music box is made shortly after 1891.)

To complete this wonderful piece again, he wants to know now if all
18" cylinders from Mermod Freres are interchangeable, and if there is
a chance to find another cylinder of this size.

Another question: The cylinders do not have any major stains or rust,
but would need a cleaning of the surface.  Is it possible that he can
clean them himself, or is it only a job for a professional restorer?
All the pins are solid; there is no damage on them.

Thank you for help

Marcus Pregler from Germany