Description
An Antique Swiss Music Box.
A large drum music box, end of the 19th century with a veneered wooden body, and a hinged lid with floral inlay. Under the lid, a second lid with a glass insert, reveals the mechanism. The automaton plays 12 Aires, the mechanism is in working order, but may need a little servicing by a horologist after transportation/shipping.
The Interior of the lid has the original paper tune sheet listing each song and its composer. A rare and beautiful turn mandolin antique music box made by probably the prestigious firm of Nicole Freres of Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1870/80.
It is most unusual in that it plays 12 operatic tunes – a high volume of songs for a Nicole Freres two-per-turn box – and I believe very few of these boxes were made. The movement features a fat cylinder and has a very nice sound with fine mandolin arrangements of the music. It has all been fully serviced and is in excellent condition.
The case is also rather special, veneered in rosewood with finely detailed musical inlay motifs to both the lid and the front, together with kingwood crossbanding, canted corners, and all sitting on an ebonised plinth.
All aspects of this music box mark it as superior quality and rather special. Some wear with age, the exterior is in relatively good condition.
Size width 31.3 cm x 16 cm height x 14.5 cm depth
Weight 9.4 kg
Most objects sold in our gallery are antiques, vintage or used, therefore they will show signs of being antique, vintage or used. There may be signs of scratches, discolouration, chips, cracks wear, tear unknown manufacturers and/or patterns, etc. Please see the photographs as they form part of the description.
Clocks, Mantle clocks, music boxes etc. may require service after transportation and are sold as decorative items. Any local Horologists would be glad to do these for you.
Buyers are responsible for all import duties, taxes, or fees.
Overseas buyers, please get in touch with us for posting rates. Please contact us via eBay or the website of leansgallery for a viewing and many more pictures.
