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.

Symphonion Music Box

Recent Sales

Antique Rosewood Inlaid Symphonion Music Box with 5 Discs 19th C

Sold

H 11 in W 21.75 in D 17.75 in

Antique Rosewood Inlaid Symphonion Music Box with 5 Discs 19th C

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Rosewood Inlaid Symphonion Music Box with 5 Discs 19th C Measures - 11"h x 21.75"w x 17.75

Category

Antique 19th Century Musical Instruments

Materials

Metal

Symphonion Eroica Musical Hall Clock

Sold

H 105 in W 25.13 in D 16.13 in

Symphonion Eroica Musical Hall Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

, Symphonion music boxes came in a wide variety of styles and sizes, and were extremely advanced

Category

Antique 19th Century German Other Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Symphonion Rococo Music Box and 24 Discs

Sold

H 12 in W 18 in D 15 in

Symphonion Rococo Music Box and 24 Discs

Located in Montreal, QC

Symphonion #25C Rococo music box in simulated walnut case carved overall with puttis and dancing

Category

Antique 19th Century German Musical Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Symphonion Swiss Music Box with 11 Discs, c1890

Sold

H 7.25 in W 13.5 in D 13.5 in

Antique Symphonion Swiss Music Box with 11 Discs, c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Symphonion Swiss music box offers lift top with graphic and tune card, includes eleven

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Musical Instruments

Materials

Metal

20 Antique Symphonion Music Box 13.5" Discs 19th C

Sold

H 0.125 in Dm 13.5 in

20 Antique Symphonion Music Box 13.5" Discs 19th C

Located in Big Flats, NY

20 Antique Symphonion Music Box 13.5" Discs 19th C

Category

Antique 19th Century American Musical Instruments

Materials

Metal

UNTESTED ANTIQUE GERMAN SYMPHONION MUSIC BOX WITH MULTIPLE DISCS MUSICAL COLLECt

Sold

H 5.91 in W 12.8 in D 7.49 in

UNTESTED ANTIQUE GERMAN SYMPHONION MUSIC BOX WITH MULTIPLE DISCS MUSICAL COLLECt

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this rather interesting untested Antique German Symphonion music

Category

Antique 19th Century German Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Symphonion Eroica Music Box.

Sold

H 74.02 in W 27.17 in D 18.12 in

Symphonion Eroica Music Box.

Located in Zonhoven, BE

Exceptional and Rare Symphonion Music Box. This stunning and highly rare Symphonion music box is a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Other Musical Instruments

Materials

Other

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Questions About Symphonion 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.

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