Antique Swiss Music Box with Eleven 4.5” Disks C1890

Antique Swiss Music Box circa 1890.

As exceptionally scarce as it is fascinating, this autochange disk player by the Polyphon Musikwerke in Leipzig, Germany can change between six disks and play with the incredibly rare addition of bells that accompany the music. Before a coin is dropped into the slot, slide the brass indicator until it points to the desired music selection, insert a penny, and the chosen song will play automatically. An extremely limited number of these automatic disk changers were ever created, and even fewer have survived in such outstanding condition. Standing over seven feet tall, this particular model boasts a magnificent walnut case with handsome burl panels on its original, matching storage cabinet. A true technical marvel for its day, Polyphon’s automatic disk changer symbolizes pure ingenuity and superlative craftsmanship. This antique player...

Tiny dancers twirl to the melodious tunes produced by this Swiss station cylinder music box. The cylinder is joined by a drum and bells that give richness and depth to the wonderful music the box creates. Music boxes were at the height of fashion in the late 19th century and served as a status symbol for the European gentry. Switzerland was the birthplace of cylinder music boxes and home to the great majority of the most renowned manufacturers. This example, in its finely crafted English walnut case, boasts two combs, allowing the box to play in harmony for a richer, more complex song. This particular style, commonly referred to as a “station” or “showcase” box, was used to entertain guests in hotel lobbies, train stations and other similar public places, and as such would have been coin-operated. This example, however, does not accept coins. This, combined with its overall quality, complexity and beauty, indicates it was made for a private household of significant means. Today, these ingenious musical masterpieces are highly sought-after by collectors of musical automata...

A fine quality and rare music box made by Ami Rivenc of Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1880, featuring the beautiful combination of 9 engraved bells and an 8-day French clock inside a ser...

This beautiful burl walnut music box with elegant brass inlaid top plays four different tunes. The rich sound resonated richly and has the workings made in Switzerland. The on and of...

19th C. Antique Swiss Cylinder Roll Music Box 6 Tune Airs with Inlaid Case and Works Very Nicely. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 5.25" H x 16.75" W x 7.5" D.

Rare Switzerland mahogany & ebonized hinged music box with the original crank, three interior paper labels, and cylinders. Music box is stamped by maker and is In working condition, ...

Exquisite late 19th century Swiss marquetry / parquetry cylinder music box capable of playing eight different tunes. Rectangular hardwood box with painted wood grain sides and inlaid...

Manufactured by the renowned Thorens Company of Switzerland in the mid-20th century, this delightful music box is comprised of a quality fruitwood case with a glass door that allows ...

A very nice quality and unusual antique music box with drum, bell and castanet and two-per-turn format made by Ami Rivenc in Geneva, Switzerland c. 1890. The fully serviced movement...