Interchangeable Cylinder Music Box

This captivating and exceptionally engineered Swiss interchangable cylinder music box is accompanied by its original table. The mechanism is set in a beautiful case of burled and ebonized walnut with satinwood, brass and mother-of-pearl inlays adorning the lid. The entire box rests upon its original matching table supported by handsome turned legs. This music box serves not only as melodious entertainment but also as a fine example of Victorian furniture. Cylinders, each with eight songs, are stored within the table drawer and are capable of playing a variety of tunes with crisp, beautiful sound.  

Music boxes were at the height of fashion in the late 19th century serving as a status symbol for European gentry. Switzerland was the birthplace of cylindrical music boxes and home to the most renowned manufacturers. Large boxes with many cylinders such as this one had the best orchestral sounds, making them the most desirable of their time. Today they are some of the most highly sought after by collectors. 

Circa 1880

Music box: 35 1/4" wide x 15 1/8" deep x 9 1/2" high
Table: 44" wide x 23 5/8" deep x 29 3/4" high

References:  Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments, 1972, Q. David Bowers Music Boxes, 1993, Gilbert Bahl