[Alan Brinton]

Okay, that last photo shows what may be the problem, which is an irregularity in the black semi-soft strip shown in full in the next photo:

All the key mechanisms seem to be working well as I examine them with the Melodica taken apart to the stage you see in these photos, except that some of the keys toward the high end are a bit less springy. The key pads are not visible without further disassembly. On the other hand, except for the irregularity on the black strip, I don’t see any deterioration of “soft” materials. There is a bit of build-up (similar to what you see on battery posts) on the little metal interior screw mounts at the ends of the reed panel. The individual reed plates are firmly mounted in wax that looks good.