This extraordinary Austrian music box makes both a musical and visual impression
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The top cover opens to reveal a bird in red and green plumage singing along
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The player is a marvel of musical and mechanical artistry
Click to Enlarge
The superb ebonized case is enhanced by a lovely satinwood floral and musical inlay
Click to Enlarge
The bird's beak, wings, tail, head and body all move as he performs
Click to Enlarge
The music box plays six different airs, which are listed inside the top cover
Click to Enlarge
This extraordinary Austrian music box makes both a musical and visual impression
The top cover opens to reveal a bird in red and green plumage singing along
https://www.youtube.com/embed/B16f38CMaBg?autoplay=0&controls=1&showinfo=0&loop=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0
The player is a marvel of musical and mechanical artistry
The superb ebonized case is enhanced by a lovely satinwood floral and musical inlay
The bird's beak, wings, tail, head and body all move as he performs
The music box plays six different airs, which are listed inside the top cover
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Mandolin Singing Bird Automaton Music Box

  • This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity
  • The piece plays a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity
  • Its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, animated, singing bird automaton
  • Set in a stunning inlaid case with satinwood floral and musical motifs, the music box plays six airs
  • Get complete item description here
$48,500
Item No. 29-1321

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Description
This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity. Not only does it play a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity, but its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, singing bird automaton. Set in a beautiful inlaid case with satinwood floral and musical motifs, the music box plays six airs, listed on the inside lid, producing a pleasing and cheerful “mandolin” sound on two combs. The. . .
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This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity. Not only does it play a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity, but its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, singing bird automaton. Set in a beautiful inlaid case with satinwood floral and musical motifs, the music box plays six airs, listed on the inside lid, producing a pleasing and cheerful “mandolin” sound on two combs. The mechanical bird, set in a nest complete with tiny bird eggs, sings along while music box plays. His beak, wings, tail, head and body all move as he performs, as a grouping of levers between the combs controls his movements and the set of pipes produce his beautiful song. A rare improvement on the basic cylinder music box, the mandolin box achieved its melodious sound by having up to eight teeth on the comb tuned to each note, or to the tones used in the tunes played.

This type of music box was awarded a place in the International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, held by the United States Centennial Commission to celebrate the nation’s 100th birthday. The seal for this is displayed inside the lid, along with a second seal: “Wellausstellung 1875 Wien Franz. Joseph I. Kaiser Osterreich N. Konig V. Bohmen Etc. Apost. Konig Ungara.”

Circa 1875

30" wide x 15"deep x 14" high

Song List:
1. Le Juif errant. Valse by Burgmueller
2. Le Barbier de Seville by Rossini
3. La Gazza Cadra Ouverture by id.
4. The Mocking Bird
5. Rigoletto Coro nome by Verdi
6. L’Ombre. Quand je monte escotte by Flotow
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This extraordinary Austrian music box makes both a musical and visual impression
Period: 19th Century
Type: Cylinder Music Boxes
Depth: 15.0 in. (38.1 cm)
Width: 30.0 in. (76.2 cm)
Height: 14.0 in. (35.56 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.