Thanks to Craig Smith and the others who called our attention to the
Hallmark Disney Christmas Band.  I was able to purchase a set and add
them to the 'almost mechanical music' part of our collection.  They
are neat and a lot of fun.

In poking around eBay I discovered that in 1994 Hallmark created
a Christmas decoration called a Calliope.  The box states, "A unique
ornament -- the music you will hear was played on the keyboard of the
air-operated portable calliope by its owner, Harvey Roehl of Vestal,
NY.  This antique instrument was built in the late 1920s and was used
by the Ringling Circus."

I am pleased to say that we have that have that very instrument as a
part of our 'real mechanical music' collection.  Oh yes, we did locate
and purchase a 1994 version of the Hallmark Calliope.  Although the
sound is not as advanced as the current Hallmark offerings, it is still
fun to have.

Bob Oppenheim

 [ The Hallmark QLX7473 calliope Christmas ornament is for sale by
 [ several vendors at eBay auction, search for "Santa's Sing-Along 1994".
 [  -- Robbie