[ Matthew Caulfield wrote in 100503 MMDigest

> Can someone explain what a "cartel box" is and tell me the etymology
> of the term?  I am no wiser after looking in the dictionary ...

Hi Matthew,  I'm not sure that there is a technical definition of a
"Cartel".  To the best of my understanding, at least within the Reuge
music box company, the description or categorization of a machine as
being a "Cartel" was for those larger mechanisms that were housed in
table model cabinets with a ratcheting side winding lever action,
because the cabinets were too large, or cumbersome, to be lifted and
wound from below as was the case with the smaller boxes and mechanisms.

At Reuge, "Cartel" boxes were large cylinder units with a minimum of
144-notes playing at least four tunes.  Smaller, twin comb, 3-tune
144-note mechanisms, that could be bottom wound, were categorized as
"sublime harmony" mechanisms but that description really applied to the
twin 72-note combs creating a "sublime harmony".

Twin comb cartel mechanisms were also described as being "sublime
harmony" boxes.  Therefore, in my mind, "cartel" referred to a larger
heavier mechanism with a ratcheted side-winding cranked mainspring
housing versus those that could be lifted up to be wound.

In the "Curious History of Music Boxes", by Roy Mosoriak, Lightner
Publishing, Chicago, 1943, on page 30 appears the following explanation
of the term:

  "You must bear in mind that the music works produced up to 1833
  were pip-squeaks with only a small volume of sound coming from them.
  Efforts to increase the volume of sound and range of tone resulted in
  the large-size music box (the "cartel') in 1833.  This type was first
  made in Geneva, Switzerland.  The development of the cartel was
  fairly rapid and new varieties were added in the tone and arrangement
  of music on this larger-size music box..."

Hope that helps.

Most sincerely,
Don Caine - Proprietor, The Music Box Repair Shop Unlimited
Lomita, California
tel.: 1-310-534-1557