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.

Christmas Music Box

Christmas Bells

Hermes Christmas

Hand Painted Music Boxes

German Hand Painted Box

German Christmas Tree

Norton Christmas Project

Ship Bell

Christmas Ball

Recent Sales

Vintage Christmas Music Box Wood Erzgebirge Germany

Sold

H 8.27 in Dm 6.3 in

Vintage Christmas Music Box Wood Erzgebirge Germany

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

Vintage christmas music box from Switzerland. Made from wood with the holy family in the house.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Arts and Crafts More Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Christmas Music Box Wood Erzgebirge Germany

Sold

H 8.27 in Dm 5.91 in

Vintage Christmas Music Box Wood Erzgebirge Germany

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

Beautiful Christmas decoration. The music box is working

Category

Mid-20th Century German Arts and Crafts More Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Kalliope Christmas Tree Stand and Polyphon Music Box

Sold

H 11.42 in W 19.69 in D 12.21 in

Antique Kalliope Christmas Tree Stand and Polyphon Music Box

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

On top of the box is a cast iron base, which includes a Christmas tree.

Category

Early 20th Century German Belle Époque Musical Instruments

Materials

Beech

Peter Norton / Christian Marclay Christmas Project Music Box, circa 2005

Sold

H 3 in W 5 in D 4 in

Peter Norton / Christian Marclay Christmas Project Music Box, circa 2005

Located in San Francisco, CA

This rare music box is part of the Peter Norton Family Christmas Project.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Musical Christmas Ball Christmas Tree Christmas Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Sold

H 6.42 in W 6.23 in

Musical Christmas Ball Christmas Tree Christmas Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Pull the string, put the tree on your table, and listen to the magic of Christmas Rare and Gorgeous Christmas Ball Music Box Pull the hook, a string will come out and go into the ...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Curiosities

Exceptional Christmas Ball Music Box Reuge Sainte Croix

Sold

Dm 3.01 in

Exceptional Christmas Ball Music Box Reuge Sainte Croix

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare and Gorgeous Christmas Ball Music Box ! Pull the hook, a string will come out and go into the ball playing "O du Fröhliche" (german Christmas song) The ball is red, decorated ...

Category

20th Century Swiss Curiosities

Exceptional Christmas Ball Music Box Silent Night Reuge Sainte Croix

Sold

Dm 3.01 in

Exceptional Christmas Ball Music Box Silent Night Reuge Sainte Croix

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Pull the hook, hang it safely in your Christmas tree, and just hear and look at the magic of Christmas Rare and Gorgeous Christmas Ball Music Box !

Category

20th Century Swiss Curiosities

Exceptional Reuge Music Box Christmas Ornament Golden Bell Silent Night

Sold

H 4.14 in Dm 3.35 in

Exceptional Reuge Music Box Christmas Ornament Golden Bell Silent Night

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Beautiful Rare Reuge Music Box Christmas ornament, Bell shaped Turn the key, pull the button and hang the bell in your tree.

Category

20th Century Swiss Curiosities

Exceptional Reuge Sainte Croix Christmas Ball Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Sold

Dm 2.41 in

Exceptional Reuge Sainte Croix Christmas Ball Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare and Gorgeous Christmas Ball Music Box ! Pull the hook, hang it safely in your Christmas tree, and just hear and look at the magic of Christmas Pull the hook, a string will co...

Category

20th Century Swiss Curiosities

Exceptional Reuge Sainte Croix Christmas Ball Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Sold

Dm 3 in

Exceptional Reuge Sainte Croix Christmas Ball Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare and Gorgeous Christmas Ball Music Box Pull the hook, hang it safely in your Christmas tree, and just hear and look at the magic of Christmas Pull the hook, a string will com...

Category

20th Century Swiss Curiosities

Exceptional Mobile Christmas Crib in Wood Reuge Sainte Croix Music Box

Sold

H 7.09 in Dm 5.12 in

Exceptional Mobile Christmas Crib in Wood Reuge Sainte Croix Music Box

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

This is a rare opportunity to get a lovely Mobile Christmas Crib Music Box ! Made by Reuge Sainte Croix, specialist manufacturer of music boxes, located in Sainte Croix, Switzerland...

Category

20th Century Swiss Curiosities

Exceptional Reuge Sainte Croix Christmas Ball Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Sold

Dm 3.01 in

Exceptional Reuge Sainte Croix Christmas Ball Ornament Music Box Silent Night

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Pull the hook, hang it safely in your Christmas tree, and just hear and look at the magic of Christmas Rare and Gorgeous Christmas Ball Music Box !

Category

20th Century Swiss Curiosities

Antique German Christmas Scene Doll in Sled, with Music Box, 1900s

Sold

H 11.75 in W 12.25 in D 6.5 in

Antique German Christmas Scene Doll in Sled, with Music Box, 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

The sled was edged in pressed cotton and fitted with a papier-mâché drum, a wooden house and a music box in the shape of a suitcase. The music box plays a melody and is fully functio...

Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Old "German Christmas Market Stall" Christmas Toy Shop Dollhouse Decoration

Sold

H 13.25 in W 14 in D 9 in

Old "German Christmas Market Stall" Christmas Toy Shop Dollhouse Decoration

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Antique German Christmas Market Display Box with Music Box, circa 1910–1920 This exceptional and beautifully preserved German market display box dates from around 1910–1920.

Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric, Cotton, Wood, Paper

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Christmas Music Box For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary christmas music box you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Gray, Beige, Brown and more. Making the right choice when shopping for a christmas music box may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Hermès are consistently popular. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for women and unisex.