Early lever wind Swiss music box for sale

Early lever wind Swiss cylinder music box playing the Anvil Chorus and other operatic selections.

I don't recognize all the selections, but this style of box is usually dated ca 1850-1860. The Anvil Chorus was composed in 1853, which would put this tune in line with this style of music box. Boxes from this era are usually highly desirable, retaining the high quality of early keywind boxes (ca 1840-1850). This example, playing six tunes, with brass bedplate, displays the typically bright, brilliant sound that collectors so much desire from machines of that era.

This box is in exceptionally nice hard-to-find original condition. It has not been restored in the sense that everything has been polished out and the case refinished, but mechanically it is in great condition. The teeth are all in good condition, dampers are working well, and it is playing through all tunes. You can hear it ring out through the complete set of tunes in the youtube video below.

There is some typical wear and tear, minor nicks, minor veneer flaking on the case, but overall the case is in good condition. There is a spot of corrosion at the base of the comb, not touching or affecting the teeth. cleanable and musically harmless. Most of the inner picture frame and glass is missing.

Cylinder is just a tad short of eleven inches, reasonably long for a box of this era. Case dimensions are approximately 18.5 by 7 by 5 inches.

If you want something better and unusual in a Swiss music box, something superior to the boxes of the 1890s early 1900s that you always see on the market, here's your opportunity.

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Lynn Bilton
Box 435
Randolph,OH 44265
330 325-7866

We buy, sell, and repair antique phonographs and music boxes.

Pick-up and delivery possible in many parts of the midwest,south, and northeast.