Hi, I just inherited two disc music boxes and thought I should know
the dates if I'm going to have to do any restoration or repairs.
One is a good size Symphonion, 18" X 17" X 10" which reads "Symphonion
M'F'G. Co. N. Y." on the metal plate.  The Polyphon 10" X 11" X 7"
just says "Polyphon" on the metal plate.  Is there any way to determine
date from the serial numbers on the plates?

Thanks,
Terry Harper

 [ According to Bowers' Encyclopedia, Symphonion began in Leipzig
 [ in 1885 or 1886.  Around 1895 it opened its U.S. subsidiary, the
 [ Symphonion Manufacturing Company, with manufacturing facilities
 [ in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, and offices in New York City.  That
 [ subsidiary lasted until shortly after 1900.  So that gives a small
 [ timeframe for the creation of Terry's Symphonion.
 [
 [ -- Matthew Caulfield, Relief Editor