I am still trying to get my head around his death.  I talked on the
phone to him just a week before he died, and he sounded his usual self.
The mechanical music world has suffered a tragic loss.

During a valuation weekend in the Netherlands last year, he showed
me his beautiful home (with lots and lots of stairs) and his
magnificent collection.  He really had a very good eye for quality
and rarity.  Afterwards, a "quick drink around the corner" turned
into an all-nighter and we simply talked and talked about mechanical
music until the sun rose above the canal in front of us.

He was a kind spirit, gently spoken, who always had time to discuss
musical boxes with those who had a true vested interest.  Come sale
time here at Bonham's, he would be one of the first people I would
call, to do a walk of the room playing the various lots down a crackly
telephone line.  He could still tell a good example from a poor one
even under those technical conditions.

A legend who is going to be missed for a very long time to come.

Laurence Fisher - Mechanical Music and Technical Apparatus
Bonham's, 4 Relay Road, White City, London W12 7SJ