What is a Polyphon music box?

A Polyphon music box is a wooden box that plays small interchangeable metal discs. Polyphon Musikwerke invented the device in 1870 and began producing them for sale in 1897 in Leipzig, Germany. Find a variety of Polyphon music boxes on 1stDibs.

What is the box that plays music?

The box that plays music is called a music box in the U.S. and a musical box in the UK. Early versions date back to the 19th century, and many of them came from factories located in Switzerland. Shop a large selection of antique and vintage music boxes on 1stDibs.

Are music boxes rare?

It depends on the make and model of the music box. To find the value of a music box, experts suggest that you work with a certified appraiser. The value of a music box will depend on a number of factors, including the shape it’s in. You’ll find expertly vetted music boxes on 1stDibs.

What is the best music box?

The best music box for you depends on your preferences for design, size, and music. Music boxes may be intricately carved or brightly-colored, and contain musical themes from famous plays or films. Music boxes can also be musical boxes designed to hold jewelry or other trinkets.

How does a Regina music box work?

Regina music boxes have musical information carefully stored on a metal disc. A Regina music box works when the holes in the disc engage with the teeth of a gear that leads to the plucking of a musical comb generating a pleasant sound.

When was the first music box made?

The first music box was likely made in Switzerland around the end of the 18th century. Originally, most music boxes were quite small, but as time went on, larger versions developed. Shop a collection of antique and modern music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Are music boxes still made?

Yes, music boxes are still made today. A number of artisans continue to produce music boxes by hand. Companies may also mass produce music boxes using machinery. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is an old music box called?

An old music box made from snuff boxes during the 18th century is called a carillons à musique. It is a French word meaning "chimes of music." You'll find a selection of antique music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Ballerina Music Box

Blue Butterfly Sketch New Look Ballerina Sundress with Bib Points - XS, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

With a silhouette sweet enough for a music-box ballerina and a loose, Matisse-like butterfly sketch

Category

1950s Unknown Ballerina Day Dresses

Blue Butterfly Sketch New Look Ballerina Sundress with Bib Points - XS, 1950s

Size: none; comparable to size XS

"Swan Lake" Musical Jewelry Box by Reuge of Italy

Located in San Diego, CA

ballerina in the top. The inside is lined in velvet and has a cover for the viewable music box. Lovely and

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

"Swan Lake" Musical Jewelry Box by Reuge of Italy

H 2 in W 10.75 in D 5.25 in

Pause., Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Igor Shulman

Located in Yardley, PA

moment, music will sound and the ballerina will explode. The dance will begin and everything will change

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Paintings

Materials

Oil

Igor Shulman
Pause., Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021

H 39.4 in W 27.4 in D 2 in

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Antique French Empire Swan Faucet, Circa 1820

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S/S 2002 Roberto Cavalli Sheer Floral Silk Backless Dress

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A Loris Azzaro Couture Embroidered Sequins Evening Dress Circa 1970/1980

By Loris Azzaro Couture, Loris Azzaro

Located in Toulon, FR

Circa 1970/1980 France Paris Loris Azzaro Haute Couture evening dress embroidered with black sequins dating from the 70's. Entirely embroidered with black sequins superimposed like ...

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1970s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

A Loris Azzaro Couture Embroidered Sequins Evening Dress Circa 1970/1980

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Size: Equivalent French Size 36

Italian Embossed Bronzed Metal Rectangular Trinket/ Jewelry Music Box

Located in Guaynabo, PR

This is an Italian bronzed metal square hinged lidded music box. It depicts a lid decorated in the center with a 19th century hand painted portrait of Madame Recamier adorned with a ...

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Italian Embossed Bronzed Metal Rectangular Trinket/ Jewelry Music Box

H 1.65 in W 6 in D 4.5 in

Vintage 1920's Spiderweb Cut-Out Novelty Black & Red Leather Deco Shoes w/ Box

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Stunning pair of authentic spiderweb novelty leather shoes dating back to the mid 1920's. Believe it or not, they even come with their original Harris Shoe Store box covered with a m...

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Vintage 1920's Spiderweb Cut-Out Novelty Black & Red Leather Deco Shoes w/ Box

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Black silk velvet Opera coat with beads and rhinestone embroidered Circa 1920

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Black silk velvet coat with beads and rhinestone embroidered 1920. Pink silk velvet lining

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Black silk velvet Opera coat with beads and rhinestone embroidered Circa 1920

Size: 42/44

Black *Larger Size* Pavé Sequin Starry Night Sleeveless Circle Dress - M, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

With so much to love about this dress, it's hard to know where to begin! Besides its hard-to-find larger size, we love how the hemline gently slopes longer in the back. The scrolling...

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1950s Unknown Ballerina Dresses

Black Larger Size Pavé Sequin Starry Night Sleeveless Circle Dress - M, 1950s

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1930s Cream Silk Crepe Smocked Night Dress

Located in London, GB

This is a very floaty and ethereal, original 1930s cream silk crepe dress. It has the most outstanding, entirely hand stitched smocked detail that encompasses the wide waistband and...

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1930s Negligees

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Yellow Polynesian Print Tulip Skirt Swimsuit Play Suit Beach Romper – S, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

Suitable for swim, beach or resort, this beautifully textured play suit features a feminine tulip skirt with elasticized bloomers beneath à la Claire McCardell. A print juicy enough...

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1950s American Swimwear

Yellow Polynesian Print Tulip Skirt Swimsuit Play Suit Beach Romper – S, 1950s

Size: none; comparable to size small

Embroidered Lavender 1950s Summer Dress

Located in Alford, MA

Lovely style and fabric in this summer dress of lavender voile embroidered allover with a repeat linear pattern in white and edged with a narrow white scallop. The shirt-style dress ...

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Despite being over a century old, this intricate mantilla is as colorful and perfect as the day it was made. Similar in complexity to a piano shawl but half the traditional size (and...

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Haute Couture Black Embroidered Silk Piano Shawl Mantilla w Provenance - 1900s

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A French Carven Couture Chiffon Evening Dress numbered 11150 Circa 1960/1970

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Circa 1960/1970 France Haute Couture evening dress from Carven House Designer in blue silk muslin from the 60s/70s. Bustier with thin straps and large low-cut neckline embroidered w...

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A French Carven Couture Chiffon Evening Dress numbered 11150 Circa 1960/1970

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1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Silk Blend Sleeveless Column Gown

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a black silk-blend Gucci column dress, designed by Tom Ford. From 1999, this beautiful sleeveless dress features a plunging neckline, slit at the back, and fitted waist. E...

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1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Silk Blend Sleeveless Column Gown

Size: IT42

1930S Sapphire Blue Bias Cut Silk Velvet Draped Cap Sleeve Gown

Located in New York, NY

1930S Sapphire Blue Bias Cut Silk Velvet Draped Cap Sleeve Gown

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1930S Sapphire Blue Bias Cut Silk Velvet Draped Cap Sleeve Gown

Wonderful 1950s Swan Jardiniere-French

Located in Copenhagen K, DK

Enchanting mid century French planter / jardiniere, from France. Cast in cement, and shaped as a wonderful swan with an elegant curved neck. Fantastic genuine weathered patina. Woul...

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Vintage Swiss Reuge Italian Marquetry Music Jewelry Box Dancing Ballerina

Located in Dayton, OH

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Vintage Swiss Reuge Italian Marquetry Music Jewelry Box Dancing Ballerina

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Located in Tarry Town, NY

Beautifully handcrafted cigar box with brass design element / dancing Ballerina. Can store six

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Cigar Boxes and Humidors

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Unusual Automaton Music Box Ballerina

Located in Culver City, CA

Unusual automaton music box ballerina, working mechanics, articulated side to side and glowing

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Early 20th Century Belgian Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood, Plaster

Unusual Automaton Music Box Ballerina

Musical Ballerina Charm

Located in New York, NY

Music box charm,14K brushed gold, with dancing ballerina. Her skirt is decorated with a ruby and a

Category

Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Musical Ballerina Charm

Free Shipping

W 0.75 in L 1 in

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Questions About Ballerina Music Box

What is a Polyphon music box?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
A Polyphon music box is a wooden box that plays small interchangeable metal discs. Polyphon Musikwerke invented the device in 1870 and began producing them for sale in 1897 in Leipzig, Germany. Find a variety of Polyphon music boxes on 1stDibs.
What is the box that plays music?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The box that plays music is called a music box in the U.S. and a musical box in the UK. Early versions date back to the 19th century, and many of them came from factories located in Switzerland. Shop a large selection of antique and vintage music boxes on 1stDibs.
Are music boxes rare?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
It depends on the make and model of the music box. To find the value of a music box, experts suggest that you work with a certified appraiser. The value of a music box will depend on a number of factors, including the shape it’s in. You’ll find expertly vetted music boxes on 1stDibs.
What is the best music box?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
The best music box for you depends on your preferences for design, size, and music. Music boxes may be intricately carved or brightly-colored, and contain musical themes from famous plays or films. Music boxes can also be musical boxes designed to hold jewelry or other trinkets.
How does a Regina music box work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Regina music boxes have musical information carefully stored on a metal disc. A Regina music box works when the holes in the disc engage with the teeth of a gear that leads to the plucking of a musical comb generating a pleasant sound.
When was the first music box made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The first music box was likely made in Switzerland around the end of the 18th century. Originally, most music boxes were quite small, but as time went on, larger versions developed. Shop a collection of antique and modern music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Are music boxes still made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, music boxes are still made today. A number of artisans continue to produce music boxes by hand. Companies may also mass produce music boxes using machinery. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is an old music box called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An old music box made from snuff boxes during the 18th century is called a carillons à musique. It is a French word meaning "chimes of music." You'll find a selection of antique music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.