Many years ago when I began collecting antiques, including mechanical
music items, the market was hot, and I got the impression that the
demand was being driven by a commodities-market mindset: "better buy
them today because the price will be higher tomorrow."  I'm sure some of
you remember when many instruments were finding new homes in Japan.  As
a neophyte, most of my mentors advised me to collect what I liked and
not to expect a profit upon resale, because collecting interests and
economics tend to go in cycles.  I suppose the relevance of this varies
depending on whether one is a true collector or a dealer.

I've had a lot of fun and enjoyment along the way, especially from the
camaraderie of fellow mechanical music enthusiasts and from having
informational resources such as the MMD available.  For collectors, I
think the current downward price trend presents a golden opportunity to
enhance their collections.  The sad aspect of a declining
interest/demand base is that we are losing valuable talented mechanical
music restorers.  This is where everyone feels the hurt and void.

Alan Fox
Antique Melodies Museum
Santa Barbara, CA