Cylinder Music Boxes
Beginning in the early 1800's, Swiss masters began producing small cylinder music boxes, starting with "sectional comb" pieces and graduating to large and orchestral varieties.
Virtually all were produced in the St. Croix or Geneva regions, and one can only wonder in amazement that they were produced without the benefit of any electrically operated machinery or lighting!
The music boxes that you will see on this and the next several pages fall into several categories, but all have one thing in common: they were top-quality when produced and remain so today.
“Orchestra” Music Box
A large and spectacular c.1890 music box, playing 10 tunes, featuring bells, drum, castanets and an organ, driven by a double-spring motor. Also with speed control and tune selector and indicator. Originally imported into the United States by the firm of Henry Gautschi & Sons of Philadelphia, as shown on the tune card bearing a list of titles.
#494
Rare & Unusual 7-Cylinder Music Box
One of the rarest music boxes we have ever seen or offered is this 7-cylinder interchangeable made by Jean Billon Haller of Geneva, Switzerland. We have had a few much smaller versions of this music box, and never one of this size. Many of the design elements, unique to this maker, include such oddities as paper strips on each cylinder delineating the song titles, a proprietary stop-start mechanism, etc. The six cylinders not being used are housed in pull-out drawers at the bottom. Click here to see and hear this music box
#492
Paillard 4-comb “Quattor” Music Box
A large and rare 4-comb music box made by Charles Paillard in St. Croix, Switzerland, c.1880. The unique and heavenly sound is the result of complex arrangements being played on a large 18" cylinder employing multiple combs, resulting in what seem to be several diverse instruments playing simultaneously.
The richly inlaid cabinetry, ornate gilt bronze handles and double-spring motors are indicative of what was made to be, and remains, a top-of-the-line instrument seen only in the finest of homes.
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#448
“Two Per Turn” Music Box
A wonderful c.1875 Nicole Freres, playing 12 airs on a 2-per-turn format. Magnificent case inlay. This music box, and others on our website, were manufactured by the original firm of Nicole Freres, prior to their retirement and the company being sold to others, who lowered the exacting standards of the Nicole brothers in order to be more cost-competitive in the market.
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#430
“Oratorio” Music Box
A rare "Oratorio" music box by Nicole Freres, c. 1875, playing 12 airs on a fat cylinder, 2-per-turn format, featuring Handel and Mozart. This is another example of the original standards of workmanship of the Nicole family business.
Fully restored, in perfect condition.
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#419