In response to Bob Stewart's request for information regarding Ampico
spoolbox numbers, my Ampico is a Haines Brothers, serial number 69773,
which I think dates back to the early 'twenties.  The number appearing
on the left side of my Ampico spoolbox is 187018.

I am not entirely certain as to the significance of this number,
although my best guess is that they were manufactured in an assembly
line at the Amphion factory along with the other Ampico player
components.  Upon inspection of the crescendo, expression, sustain
pedal, and equalizer pneumatics, some other conspicuous serial numbers
are easily recognizable -- some even contained within the insides of
the pneumatics themselves.  Of course, the electric motor also has
identification numbers as well.

It would certainly be interesting to know why these particular
components were identified with large-digit numbers.  This information
could be of interest to rebuilders and generate a deeper understanding
of the fascinating yet troublesome mechanism.

Regards,

Nathan Bello
Gladstone, Oregon