A quality music box is a wonderful and subtle accent to any home decor. The best part about the musical box however, is being able to surprise your guests with the incredible melodies that are produced by machines of such high caliber. Are you looking for the perfect music box to adornish your home? Keep reading to learn more about some of our highly important new acquisitions!
Nicole Frères Grand Format Music Box
This 19th-century grand format “overture” style cylinder musical box has nearly four times as many teeth as the standard cylinder music box of the age. These extra teeth allowed for much more complex arrangements of music to be played! The sound is wonderfully rich and full, and it plays beautiful renditions of four different songs.
The magnificent music box was made in Switzerland by one of the greatest firms of all time, Nicole Frères. The Geneva firm made the highest quality music boxes on the market in the 19th century, using only the finest materials and most elaborate techniques.
The majority of boxes produced by the firm only included movements by Nicole Frères, while other components such as the box was crafted by other artisans. However, this example is entirely the work of Nicole Frères. It is signed three times, on the comb, the movement, and the case, indicating all were made by Nicole Frères. Additionally, the box is in pristine working condition, one of only a handful that are known of this particular overture model. Shop the Nicole Frères Grand Format Box »
19th Century Musical Picture Clock
This one of a kind picture clock is a mechanical masterpiece. The picturesque scene on canvas contains a complex time telling device within the tower. Though you can only see the clock face in the painting, with a lift of the frame, the complex inner workings of the clock and chimes are revealed. This clock has a three train movement, with seven different winding mechanisms, and a remarkable twelve gongs.
In addition to the time-telling device, the piece also has two different musical movements: a 13-inch cylinder that plays an astounding twelve different songs, and an eight-inch cylinder that plays four additional songs. This is truly a spectacular and highly unique piece, both in concept and impeccable craftsmanship. Shop the Musical Picture Clock »
Pièce à Oiseau Chantant Music Box
This Pièce à Oiseau Chantant Music Box has bird that sings alogn with the melody of the cylinder
An enchanting example of a cylinder music box that also features a singing birds automaton, the bird moves to the rhythm of the music and even opens its beak to sing along! Very few antique music boxes that feature a singing birds were made, and this collectible is a beautiful Swiss example with an inlaid walnut case. The box plays six different melodies and also features a repeat/change switch, which allows the listener to customize their experience. Shop the Pièce à Oiseau Chantant Music Box »
Mechanical Music Box
A woman holding a tambourine reclines inside this mechanical music box.
This music box holds a tantalizing secret! Crafted of beautifully finished wood, the box is operated by pulling the string on the right side, which not only begins a lively melody, but opens the two wooden doors to reveal a female figure reclining with a tambourine inside. Shop the Mechanical Music Box »
Wood Boxes like these were incredibly labor intensive to construct, making them available to only the most affluent collectors.
Swiss Automata Cylinder Music Box
This Swiss music box is filled with automata that play instruments to compliment the tunes of the cylinder.
A revolution in the industry of music boxes, this work of art has an “orchestra” style instrumentation, creating an amazing sound and demanding exceptional craftsmanship. The piece features one cylinder, a drum, eight bells, and a castanet, which can be turned on or off individually, allowing the listener to customize the instrumentation of any of the ten songs on the cylinder.
This particular box is further complemented by a number of intricate automata that dance to the music, including five dancing dolls, two Chinese figures, and butterflies in the background. Boxes like these were incredibly labor intensive to construct, making them available to only the most affluent collectors. The case for this piece is a work of art in and of itself, styled as a traditional Swiss home with intricately carved wooden shingles and balconies. Shop the Swiss Automata Music Box »
Bronze Musical Inkwell
This bronze musical inkwell is a picturesque scene with a glass "fountain" and three gilt bronze birds.
This spectacular inkwell music box is a wonderful treasure! Opening the well not only reveals the inkpot, but initiates the musical mechanism inside. While it plays a lovely tune, the glass “water” rotates, giving the effect of running from the gilt bronze tap above. The piece also features a beautiful trio of gilt bronze birds to complete the picturesque scene. Shop the Musical Inkwell »
With so many unique options to choose from, which musical masterpiece will you choose for your home? Shop all Musical Antiques here »
Curious about the history of antique music boxes? Read more about them here »
