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.

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.

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.

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.

Decanter Music Box

Rolls Royce Radiator - Vintage Novelty Drinks Flask Decanter Music Box

$1,895

Rolls Royce Radiator - Vintage Novelty Drinks Flask Decanter Music Box

Located in Austin, TX

A fine vintage Rolls-Royce radiator grille-shaped novelty whiskey decanter or flask with a working music box from the Hollywood Regency period - a sought-after decorative collectible...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Hollywood Regency Barware

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Rolls Royce Automobile Music Box and Decanter

$525

Vintage Rolls Royce Automobile Music Box and Decanter

Located in San Diego, CA

A highly decorative mid-20th-century novelty music box decanter crafted in the form of a classic Rolls-Royce–style open touring automobile.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Rolls Royce Automobile Music Box and Decanter

$375

Vintage Rolls Royce Automobile Music Box and Decanter

Located in San Diego, CA

A highly decorative mid-20th-century novelty music box decanter crafted in the form of a classic Rolls-Royce–style open touring automobile.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Japanese Mid-Century Yacht Decanter Cocktail Set and Music Box, 1970s

$850

Vintage Japanese Mid-Century Yacht Decanter Cocktail Set and Music Box, 1970s

Located in San Diego, CA

Dimensions: 16 in. long × 5.25 in. deep × 7 in. high Origin: Japan Circa: 1970 Materials: Plastic, glass, metal, faux wood Features: Decanter, four glasses, mechanical music box, rem...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Knight Helmet Form Musical Box Hidden Bar Serving Decanter Set

$1,885

Mid-Century Knight Helmet Form Musical Box Hidden Bar Serving Decanter Set

Located in Jensen Beach, FL

Once the decanter is removed, the music box is activated and plays “How Dry Am I?”

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Barware

Materials

Metal

Recent Sales

Japanese Export Mid-Century Modern Chrome Banjo Figural Decanter and Music Box

Unavailable

H 13 in W 6 in D 2.5 in

Japanese Export Mid-Century Modern Chrome Banjo Figural Decanter and Music Box

Located in Port Hope, ON

This fabulous Japanese export Mid-Century Modern chrome and black enamel banjo figural decanter plays a heart warming version of the tune "How Dry I Am" when it is lifted off the su...

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Barware

Materials

Chrome

English Faux Croc Golf Bag Music Box Decanter

Sold

H 12.21 in W 5.91 in D 6.3 in

English Faux Croc Golf Bag Music Box Decanter

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

English faux croc golf bag decanter and music box. This cool mid-century glass decanter in the shape of a golf bag and cart also doubles as a music box when the glass flask is remov...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

MidCentury Glass and Chrome Penguin Sculpture Decanter and Music Box

Sold

H 12.5 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in

MidCentury Glass and Chrome Penguin Sculpture Decanter and Music Box

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredibly cool mid-century glass and chrome penguin liquor decanter with music box that plays "How Dry I Am" when the decanter is picked up.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Car Shaped Music Box with Decanter and Glasses, Licquor Set

Sold

H 7.88 in W 9.06 in D 5.91 in

Mid-Century Car Shaped Music Box with Decanter and Glasses, Licquor Set

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

This extraordinary music box in the shape of a royal vintage car is a small all-rounder. Regardless of the decorative appearance and the rolling function, the car music box carries f...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Musical Rolls-Royce Decanter Set Antique Crystal Decanter & 4 Shot Glasses

$1,188Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 7.49 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

Musical Rolls-Royce Decanter Set Antique Crystal Decanter & 4 Shot Glasses

Located in Wembley, GB

Vintage Musical Rolls-Royce Crystal Decanter Set with 4 Shot Glasses ESM Collectible Luxury Barware Gift Description Celebrate the elegance of classic motoring with this exceptiona...

Category

Vintage 1940s English Hollywood Regency Barware

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Iconic Art Deco Folke Arstrom Swedish Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker

$890

H 8.67 in W 2.96 in D 3.55 in

Iconic Art Deco Folke Arstrom Swedish Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker

By Folke Arstrom

Located in Vienna, AT

Silver plated cocktail shaker with Bakelite lid by Folke Arström for GAB. Designed in 1935, it has perfect functionalist lines and proportions and makes a striking decorative piece. ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Betel Motor Car Art Deco Brass Box, Collectible Toy, Children's Paint Set, 1930s

$1,097Sale Price|20% Off

H 3.94 in W 10.24 in D 4.73 in

Betel Motor Car Art Deco Brass Box, Collectible Toy, Children's Paint Set, 1930s

Located in Roma, IT

Patent 75086 - This is a large tobacco box with many purposes, (Child's Paint Set). Car in multicolored golden tin in classic brass. Almost new with all the original parts. Wonderful...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Aldo Tura Bar Set in Carved Wood and Brass Details, Made in Italy

$1,000Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 9.25 in Dm 8 in

Aldo Tura Bar Set in Carved Wood and Brass Details, Made in Italy

By Macabo, Aldo Tura

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Elegant bar set in carved wood and details in brass. The set consist of an ice bucket, a shaker, a pitcher, a nut bowl and a double bowl with handle. Set designed by Aldo Tura and ma...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern 22-Karat Gold Moroccan Decanter and Wine Glasses Set c. 1965

$1,100 / set

H 11.5 in W 10 in D 10 in

Mid-Century Modern 22-Karat Gold Moroccan Decanter and Wine Glasses Set c. 1965

By Culver Ltd.

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Beautiful midcentury Moroccan themed set includes wine decanter and matching wine glasses with original caddy / tray. Decanter and wine glasses show no wear and are in great conditio...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Gold Plate

Aldo Tura Decorative Bar Set in Carved Wood and Brass, Macabo, Italy 1950s

$916 / set

H 11.03 in W 9.06 in D 6.3 in

Aldo Tura Decorative Bar Set in Carved Wood and Brass, Macabo, Italy 1950s

By Aldo Tura, Macabo

Located in Roma, IT

Beautiful bar set in carved wood and brass. This lovely set was designed by Aldo Tura and produced by Macabo in Milano, Italy during the 1950s. The set consist of a pitcher, 6 glass...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage 20ème siècle Rolls Royce Radiator Grille gas lighter

$628

H 3.75 in W 2.37 in D 1.78 in

Vintage 20ème siècle Rolls Royce Radiator Grille gas lighter

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Rolls-Royces - smoking accessories Measures : 6x4,5cm H:9,5cm The "Spirit of Ecstasy" (the Rolls-Royce mascot) is featured at the top of the grille, and the classic RR logo is on th...

Category

20th Century Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Period Silver Plate Yacht Cocktail Service

$2,195

H 11 in W 26 in D 18 in

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Period Silver Plate Yacht Cocktail Service

Located in Fayetteville, AR

Originally used to serve cocktails on a yacht in the 1930's, this English Art Deco period silver plate bar service is supported by a green tinted wooden tray with silver handles on e...

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Set by Culver Ltd., Glass & Gold Clover, Circa 1960

$350 / set

H 9.25 in W 4 in D 2.75 in

Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Set by Culver Ltd., Glass & Gold Clover, Circa 1960

By Culver Ltd.

Located in Fairfield, CA

A 5 piece mid century cocktail set by Culver. Each piece is wrapped in a 22 kt gold clover pattern. The set includes 1 tall double spout pitcher and 4 footed cordial glasses. The pit...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

PC011 Authentic Models Bantam Midget Model Car

$1,245

H 7.5 in W 9.5 in D 19 in L 7.5 in

PC011 Authentic Models Bantam Midget Model Car

Located in New York, NY

The Authentic Models Bantam Midget Model Car (PC011) is a faithful reproduction of the iconic Bantam Midget race cars that captivated racing enthusiasts and collectors alike during t...

Category

20th Century American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Scent Bottle

$295

H 2.25 in W 0.5 in D 0.5 in

Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Scent Bottle

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Art Deco period sterling silver scent bottle, unknown maker. Georg Jensen sold virtually identical ones. Glass "Pop-up" interior bottle in sterling silver "basket". Marked simply "st...

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Mid-Century Pedal Car Fire Truck

$880

H 20 in W 48 in D 16 in

Vintage Mid-Century Pedal Car Fire Truck

Located in Chicago, IL

Vibrant, sleek and full of character, this vintage pedal car was once the prized possession of children all across America. A popular toy since the late 19th century, pedal cars expe...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Decanter Set

$595 / set

H 8 in Dm 10 in

Mid Century Decanter Set

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Mid Century Decanter Set consisting of a decanter and 6 small roll poly glasses.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage 1930 Racing Car Stainless Steel Scale Model, Highly Detailed accessory

$1,196

H 6.89 in W 9.65 in D 20.67 in

Vintage 1930 Racing Car Stainless Steel Scale Model, Highly Detailed accessory

Located in Milano, IT

Car Model - Bookcase accessory - Decorative Sculpture Stunning contemporary reproduction of a vintage racing car from the 1930s. The streamlined body, inline engine, wheels and das...

Category

2010s European Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome

Large French Art Deco Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker

$641

H 9.5 in Dm 4 in

Large French Art Deco Silver Plated Cocktail Shaker

Located in Bath, GB

A striking large French silver plated cocktail shaker, Art Deco in era, circa 1940. Marked on the underside "Metal Argente" or Silver Plate. Just back from our silversmith's work...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

French Art Deco Silverplate Cocktail Shaker, circa 1940s

$335

H 8.5 in Dm 4.5 in

French Art Deco Silverplate Cocktail Shaker, circa 1940s

Located in Las Vegas, NV

French silverplate cocktail shaker, circa 1940s. Classic tapered Art Deco form with ribbed lower body and stepped shoulder. Marked to underside “OFRE,” model 11, and “8 GR” indicatin...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

People Also Browsed

Antique 1913 Model Touring Car and Driver Wooden Hand Painted Sculpture

$522Sale Price|45% Off

H 11 in W 27 in D 10.5 in

Antique 1913 Model Touring Car and Driver Wooden Hand Painted Sculpture

Located in Plainview, NY

A meticulously crafted 1913 model touring automobile. The car model features a two-tone color scheme, predominantly black with red accents, which highlights its vintage allure. The...

Category

20th Century American Art Deco Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Chrome Streamlined Car Trinket Box 1930s

$486Sale Price|20% Off

H 1.97 in W 7.09 in D 2.76 in

Art Deco Chrome Streamlined Car Trinket Box 1930s

By Alfred Dunhill

Located in Dereham, GB

Art Deco Chrome Streamlined Car Trinket Box 1930s Brass casting Good Art deco Streamlined shaped car Chrome Plated Hinged top trinket box/desk tidy Enamel badge on top Reads WESTON.S...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Materials

Chrome

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Finding the Right Barware for You

Whether it’s streamlined or sophisticated, a bar area is always a welcoming feature in any home interior. A cheery well-made drink with friends and family has the potential to yield some unforgettable moments alongside those that aren’t easily remembered. And the only way to conjure that exemplary cordial is by putting the proper antique or vintage barware to work.

Essential barware equipment ranges from sterling-silver barspoons for mixing your cocktails in tall collins glasses to jiggers, shakers and strainers that allow you to whip up martinis and old-fashioneds.

From a design standpoint, some barware, such as our array of Art Deco glass whiskey sets or mid-century modern silver-banded tumblers crafted by Dorothy Thorpe, can help position your bar as a bold and attractive centerpiece to a room. At the very least, a carefully curated collection of barware can elevate with subtlety the bar’s nearby fixtures, as a handcrafted crystal decanter might do for your vintage 1960s bar cart.

As cocktail hour draws near, find inspiration in our gorgeous gallery of home bars in locales ranging from London to New York to San Francisco, and browse the exquisite selection of antique, new and vintage barware and glassware on 1stDibs.

Questions About Decanter 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.
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.
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.
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.

37 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

How a Craving for Color Revolutionized Glass

After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.

1882 Ltd. Looks to the Future of Ceramics in the U.K. with an Eclectic Exhibition and Auction

Faye Toogood and John Pawson are among the list of plate designers.

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Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

Paul Revere Crafted This Silver Coffee Pot 250 Years Ago

Perhaps best known as a Revolutionary War hero, Revere was also an accomplished silversmith, and this pot is now available on 1stDibs.

From Arne Jacobsen to Zaha Hadid, Top Designers Tackle Tableware

Clever objects like these make feasting even more festive.

How the Chunky, Funky Ceramics of 5 Mid-Century American Artists Balanced Out Slick Modernism

Get to know the innovators behind the pottery countercultural revolution.

Ready for a Cinderella Moment? This Glass Handbag Is a Perfect Fit

Glass slippers might be the stuff of fairytales, but glass handbags? Artist Joshua Raiffe has made them a reality, and they're far less delicate than you might imagine, but just as dreamy.