I am restoring a Paillard Vaucher Fils musical box with serial no.
15789 stamped on it.  It has a cylinder 11" by 2".  There is no tune
sheet.  It is in a pretty awful condition -- I have restored the
mechanism to run satisfactorily but the comb is missing several teeth
and there are no dampers.  The cylinder has several pins missing also.
I am giving the case a complete overhaul.

Does anyone know what date this box could be?  Also, could anyone in
the UK recommend a professional repairer who would be able to deal
with the comb and cylinder?

Many thanks for any help.
Andrew Leach (UK)

 [ H.A.V. Bulleid's book, "Musical Box Tune Sheets", has on page 137
 [ a chart of probable Paillard serial numbers and their dates.  While
 [ it is a bit difficult to use, because the serial numbering started
 [ over and was duplicated around 1875, my best interpretation is that
 [ Andrew's box dates to 1883-1884.  That could be tested by dating the
 [ tunes the box plays, if he knows their titles.  He says there is no
 [ tune sheet, however.  -- Editor (Matthew)