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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

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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