Regarding Brian Chester's posting [080531 MMDigest] of the Francois
Nicole Rigid Notation Overture musical box sold at auction on Friday,
May 30, 2008.  A couple of facts need to be illuminated to give context
to the price that was paid.

This box was a very early style piece with the four comb format and
an early fruitwood case.  These design characteristics would place its
date of manufacture during the first few years of Francois Nicole
manufacturing run.  Secondly, the box was in a very good state of
preservation.

The ultimate price paid, although a world record for a cylinder
musical box, was more of a reflection of two advanced collectors from
the Netherlands and Germany willing to bid almost three (3) times the
highest price previously paid for a Francois Nicole Rigid Notation
Overture musical box, based upon general rarity but factoring in no
apparent concern for market value, combined with two collectors in
a classic battle of wills to "grab the prize."

The actual "all in" price was 62,100 pounds sterling.  In my opinion
the price needs to be considered an aberration.  What the price does
reveal, however, is that the top end of the market for great material
is stronger than ever.

In the interest of full disclosure I was one of the underbidders but
it was readily apparent shortly after the bidding opened that this
musical box was going to sell for a lot of money.  The auctioneers
were, to put it mildly, shocked at the final price with a pre-sale
estimate of 300 to 500 pounds sterling.

Kevin F. Kline