The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Depending on the precision, it could be possibly used to complete an old doll with missing parts.
I wonder how much an original mechanism would have brought, this one went already for a remarkable price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0406887440

These had multiple (switchable) cylinders?

Not "switchable." The cylinder was more or less permanently installed, and the dolls were sold with the selection printed on the box. The doll was meant to say one rhyme over and over. Reminds me of some women I've known...!

George P.