Ah of course, that'll teach me to look things up whilst I should be working. I'll see if Patrice Vigier can shed any light on the exact date, then. I've never had a metal laminate model, I bet they have a sound all of their own.
Funnily enough I have seen an Arpege at CrackConverters before, though I think it was snapped up quickly. You struck gold, there - and what an excellent price. Enjoy it and remember, French = best!
ped