The musical mechanism is of the 'Alternate Tip' variety, that is every other tip on the comb was removed during manufacture. The exact reason for removing every other comb tip is the subject of much speculation in musical box circles. Some people believe that, as demand for boxes playing more tunes increased, existing comb stocks could be adapted to double the number of tunes played. Others believe that a richer fuller sound would be created by tuning teeth without tips to the same pitch as the adjacent teeth with tips. This untipped tooth would vibrate 'in sympathy' with the tipped/functioning tooth. The untipped tooth would continue sounding after the tipped tooth was damped, before being replayed. Two theories, you choose!
In any event, the product, in this case is a fine musical box. Personal inspection, before bidding is welcomed, the next best thing is to listen to a sample of the music via email. This is necessarily a large file and would take a long time to download. The quality of the wav file will not truly convey the splendour of this machine. This machine will come with a reprint of an original instruction sheet for operating and reference purposes.
Manufactured in Switzerland, circa 1880, by Mojon, Manger & Co, both the mechanism and the case have been fully restored. Should any potential buyer wish to have more information about this or any other musical box in stock, please email me directly or phone +44 1959 574067. All items may be viewed in person, at the shop. Please call before travelling.
World wide trouble free shipping available.
The case and movement have both been restored. The case has been finished with Brazilian rosewood veneer to the lid, the sides of the box have a simulated rosewood finish. The movement has been serviced. No parts have been replaced. When this machine is playing the listener will be hearing the exact same music heard by the original owner approx 100 years ago. The comb has no replacement teeth. A sample of the music could be emailed to any potential buyer, the file for this would be necessarily large and would take a long time to download. It would, however, be preferable to view the item personally (at the shop by prior arrangement).
This item is being sold in first class condition and cannot be compared to a similar item bought in 'as found' condition from a junk shop or from an auction.
Lifting the lid reveals the well engineered musical mechanism. The 13 inch cylinder contains all of the information required to play 10 tunes (listed on the original tune sheet). The cylinder is driven by twin mainspring barrels. The tune indicator is if a type seen on boxes that may be positively attributed to Bremmond. Perhaps he made this one? The bell mechanism is actuated by a six toothed subsidiary comb. The bell function may be deactivated via a small lever on the right hand side of the mechanism.
Tunes played by this machine include; Comin thro' the Rye, Carmen, Guillauame Tell.
The six inch cylinder contains all of the information required to play the 8 tunes that are listed on the replacement tune sheet. The original tune sheet was lost many years ago but the original owner typed the titles onto a small piece of paper that was found in the bottom of the case. The accuracy of this information has been verified. The musical mechanism has been serviced and functions to a very high standard. A lever at the bottom left hand side of the comb, enables the operator to disengage the bell actuating mechanism. The bells have been cast from bell metal/bronze and not the cheaper nickel plated iron. This is an indication of the quality of this machine. The comb has NO replacement teeth.
The case has been veneered with Brazilian Rosewood to the lid and the front. The lid has been decorated with an inlayed musical trophy, tulip wood cross-banding and boxwood stringing. The front has similar boxwood stinging and cross-banding. The sides have been finished with the typical faux rosewood graining (coloured polish) that was so favoured during the 19th century. The moulded edge to the lid, the feet and the interior of the case have been ebonised. The recently applied French polish gives the box a excellent crisp appearance but has retained all of the charm of an antique.
A disc musical box by Symphonion of Leipzig, circa 1900.
This walnut veneered disc musical box plays 10 inch discs. This is an unusual size and is rarely offered for sale. The case has been repolished and the movement has been serviced. No parts were replaced during the overhaul and the comb has no broken or repaired teeth. The sound is as crisp and clear as it was when first played over 100 years ago. Supplied with a total of 10 discs (4 old ones and 6 that were especially produced recently) this machine will give many years of good service.
This magnificent cylinder musical box plays six airs as listed on the original tune sheet, and is quite a rarity. Made by Paillard Vaucher Fils in the 1880's, the comb has been tuned with groups of teeth (5 or 6) tuned to the same pitch, this allowed the musical arranger to use the 'Mandoline' effect. This gives the music extra quality and variation. PVF were one of the top ranking manufacturers. The lid is veneered with Brazilian Rosewood, boxwood stringing and a musical trophy surrounded by leaves and acorns. The sides of the box have the usual faux rosewood finish.
The movement has been professionally serviced. The comb has had no replaced or repaired teeth. This box should be viewed in person so that the full quality of the music may be appreciated. This, however is not compulsory so worldwide shipping is easily arranged.
A 'Harpe Harmonique' cylinder musical box by Charles Ullman, circa 1895, playing 10 airs. The brass components were originally Nickel-plated to avoid tarnish. The case and movement have both been fully restored.
The mechanism plays the 10 well arranged songs in a bright full way.
The lid is a tribute to the art of inlay.