There is a problem with acquiring replacement parts for mechanical
birds and whistlers.  As most collectors know, the companies that once
manufactured these fanciful devices are long gone.  The bellows,
whistles, gears, and any other pieces or parts needed must be
manufactured from scratch to custom-fit each piece.

The small plastic gear that Alan Wilms mentioned in his 130307 MMD
posting could be one of many kinds of gears that have been produced
over the past eighty years.  Alan may be referring to the wheel that
drives the worm and fly.  There are also many styles of bellows, and as
anyone who has ever attempted a restoration knows, the materials are
extremely difficult to obtain.  The correct material for creating a new
bellows is always a challenge.

We are among a handful of businesses that specialize in mechanical
birds from Griesbaum to Bruguier.  We've seen many pieces that have had
damage done by attempts at repair by people lacking knowledge of the
device and the correct materials to use.

Arn Eric
Antique Music Box Restoration
949-548-1542