19th Century Swiss Cylinder Music Box with Three Bells in Walnut Case

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A fine 19th-century Swiss cylinder music box with bells, housed in an attractive figured walnut case and representing the sophisticated … Read more A fine 19th-century Swiss cylinder music box with bells, housed in an attractive figured walnut case and representing the sophisticated mechanical craftsmanship for which Swiss musical-box makers became internationally renowned during the Victorian period. The rectangular case is constructed in richly figured walnut, with restrained line inlay decorating the front. Opening the hinged lid reveals the mechanical movement together with its original-style interior arrangement and decorative tune sheet. At the heart of the music box is a traditional pinned cylinder and steel comb movement, accompanied by three polished bells struck by charming butterfly-form hammers. The bells provide additional chiming notes alongside the cylinder mechanism, a desirable feature that distinguished more elaborate music boxes from simpler contemporary examples. The decorative tune sheet mounted inside the lid lists the musical programme beneath the title “Bells in Vue”, surrounded by an elaborate printed border incorporating classical figures and ornamental motifs. Side-mounted controls operate the mechanism and provide start, stop and repeat functions. Cylinder music boxes were among the great mechanical luxury objects of 19th-century Switzerland, combining precision engineering, cabinetmaking and musical entertainment. Examples incorporating bells were more complex and visually engaging, making them particularly appealing to collectors of antique mechanical instruments. The walnut case displays an attractive aged patina with surface wear and marks consistent with its age. The music mechanism currently requires servicing and is therefore offered as an antique mechanical object requiring professional attention. A substantial and highly decorative example of Victorian-era Swiss mechanical ingenuity, combining fine cabinetmaking with the charm and complexity of a traditional cylinder musical movement.

Origin Switzerland Period 19th Century, Victorian Period Materials Walnut, brass, steel, metal, paper and glass Measurements Height: 23 cm / 9 in Width: 47 cm / 18.5 in Depth: 27 cm / 10.7 in See less