Musical Instruments

A musical movement distinguishes this wonderful early 19th-century gold vinaigrette box. The vessel is covered in delicate engraving highlighted by bl...

This exceptionally wonderful and rare automaton cylinder musical box by the Mermod Fréres firm of Sainte-Croix, Switzerland is a marvel of musical crafts...

Victorian brass courtesy counter top bell, reception desk bell Made in solid brass, in good ready to use with a demanding ding, the bell is 4” in diameter...

1939 Art Deco original story & clark “Storytone” electric piano and bench. Fully restored workings, both piano, and amp. Refinished and in stunning condition. A rare and historically important instrument, the RCA Storytone piano...

A painted rustic city scene framed by a branch of exquisite pink flowers adorns this small Spanish tambourine. Skillfully painted with an illegible a...

Tiny dancers twirl to the melodious tunes produced by this Swiss station cylinder music box. The cylinder is joined by a drum and bells that give richness and depth to the wonderful music the box creates. Music boxes were at the height of fashion in the late 19th century and served as a status symbol for the European gentry. Switzerland was the birthplace of cylinder music boxes and home to the great majority of the most renowned manufacturers. This example, in its finely crafted English walnut case, boasts two combs, allowing the box to play in harmony for a richer, more complex song. This particular style, commonly referred to as a “station” or “showcase” box, was used to entertain guests in hotel lobbies, train stations and other similar public places, and as such would have been coin-operated. This example, however, does not accept coins. This, combined with its overall quality, complexity and beauty, indicates it was made for a private household of significant means. Today, these ingenious musical masterpieces are highly sought-after by collectors of musical automata...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand carved Victorian circa 1880 Piano stool with height adjustable top A very good looking and well-made piano stool, its quite w...

A wonderful piece! two sided with leather hand painted snare on two sides trimmed in nail heads. The collapsable wooden stand, while making the piece complete, can be put aside and t...

Victorian brass courtesy counter top bell, beehive brass bell Made in the style of a beehive solid brass, good and ready to use with a high pitched ding, the bell is 3” in diamete...

An antique Thai ceremonial wooden drum from the 19th century, with leather drumhead. Sculptural and freestanding, this 19th century drum, created in Thailand, will make for a great decorative accentuation in any home. Topped with a leather drumhead secured with ropes, the drum is adorned with carved motifs on the belly. With its slender silhouette and rustic appearance, this antique Thai drum...

Swiss cylinder music box . 21 1/2" cylinder playing 12 tunes. Housed in a Black Forest carved exhibition box with a carved chamois doe with fa...

As exceptionally scarce as it is fascinating, this autochange disk player by the Polyphon Musikwerke in Leipzig, Germany can change between six disks and play with the incredibly rare addition of bells that accompany the music. Before a coin is dropped into the slot, slide the brass indicator until it points to the desired music selection, insert a penny, and the chosen song will play automatically. An extremely limited number of these automatic disk changers were ever created, and even fewer have survived in such outstanding condition. Standing over seven feet tall, this particular model boasts a magnificent walnut case with handsome burl panels on its original, matching storage cabinet. A true technical marvel for its day, Polyphon’s automatic disk changer symbolizes pure ingenuity and superlative craftsmanship. This antique player...

Antique print titled 'Johannes Brahms'. Portrait of Johannes Brahms. Johannes Brahms was a German composer, pianist, and conductor of the Romantic period. Artists and Engraver...

Art Cased Concert Grand by John Broadwood & Sons, Serial number 21658, Year 1882. Mahogany case by order of Sir Alfred Waterhouse (1830 - 1905) , a lea...

English Victorian rectangular inlaid music box.  

Antique print titled 'Bajaderen von Pondichery, Bajadères de Pondichery'. This print depicts musicians from Pondicherry, India. Europeans referred to exotic Indian dancers as...

Antique print, titled: 'Coupang: Ile Timor. Divers Costumes.' - ('Coupang, Timor Island. Various costumes'). Three figures in the native dress of the Indonesian island Timor. A y...

Rare Enrico Ceruti Violin made in 1875. There is a printed label within the body of the violin verifying the maker and the year. The violin is accompani...

Antique 19th century English silvered bronze and oak "Hunting Horn" gong, Circa 1890's.

An important gilt-bronze mounted parquetry inlaid piano a queue, by François Linke, the Movement by Erard.  Signed 'F.Linke' on the keyboard cover mold...

A spectacular French mid-19th century, circa 1855, Louis XVI st. tulipwood parquetry and ormolu mounted, Model 2 Concert Grand Piano, signed Pleyel...

Attributed to Henry Dasson (d. 1896) Origin: French Date: circa 1885-q890 Dimension: (H) 35 1/4 in x (W) 54 in x (W) 78 in. Provenance: Acquired by Dr. J. T Nieto-Gomez from fi...

Rare RCA Victor Childs folding chair, nipper dog and horn. I’ve only seen one other in 40 years, Classic 1930s childs size folding chair with original RCA V...

This fine antique harp dates from the second half of the 19th century and was made in France by Pleyel, Wolff, Lyon and Cie. The renowned Parisian firm ma...

Wonderful Art Deco Amsterdam School gong or bell. Striking Dutch design from the 1930s. Patinated wrought iron. In very good condition with a beautiful patina.

This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity. Not only does it play a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity, but its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, singing bird automaton...

19th century gothic revival diner gong, the circular oak frame supporting central brass gong raised up on four splayed legs. Dimensions: Height 41 inches Width 22 inches Depth 16...

This is a 19th century Swiss cylinder carved music box on a table by Mermod Freres. The maker’s mark is in a silver color shield shaped metal at the righ...

This is a truly wonderful and rather unique piece. We can't find another quite like it. We were told it is from an Edo period Shinto Shrine dedicated to the deity Inari - a popular deity associated with foxes who were known for protecting the annual rice harvest from threatening vermin. In Japanese mythology, foxes are supposed to breathe out flames which are represented by the flame motif at the top of the drum stand...

Antique Swiss Continental marquetry inlay cylinder music box by A.V. Bornard. Item features interior glass cover, 8 songs, beautiful inlay, runs ...

Chinese intricately carved and pierced hardwood dinner gong, having circular brass gong with original beater. Dimensions Height 50 inches Length 24.5 inches width 13.5 inches.

Art cased grand piano by Erard Paris Serial number 19924 Case Paris 1877 Designed by Mercier Frères Paris with a design specified by order. Restored to perfection by our German piano master team. For stable tuning, the pinblock has been renewed. Having a piece of furniture done by the famous furniture designer of Mercier Freres is a dream, having a piano designed by them was something not quite expected. Case is patterned pieces of high quality mahogany ending on three lion claw type feet in bronze mercure. Piano fully restored by the Palace Pianos team. Each part was taken care of in order to preserve the authenticity. The Mercier Erard plays even and perfect. Recommende for all type of music. Did you know that David Bowie recorded...

The Imperial Company music box with one disc, the disc is titled The Geisha. Refinished mahogany case. The player is in working condition with good tone. Late 19th century.

This incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. A clock is integrated within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, and, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of these fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back and into the middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component, plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting -- a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

Splendid Antique 19th century Swiss rosewood "Drums and Bells" working music box, circa 1880 Measures: 10" high closed 21" high open.  

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

Dutch silver flask in the form of a mandolin with intricate Baroque style decoration, including cranes and a castle among floral arabesques on the front. The reverse depicting a charming scene influenced by Dutch old master genre paintings of two men with two dogs in a fenced yard surrounded by detailed foliage and trees. Complete with a fret and six individual silver wire strings. A tour de force in craftsmanship. No discernible hallmarks. Hinged top reveals a hidden flask...

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which must run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting...a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

Part of an antique Bronze bell or Cymbal, hand hammered - Tibet - half XIX century - can be hung from the ceiling. CYMBAL is a percussion instrument. Now it is used in many ensembles...

A Chinese Qing dynasty period leather drum from the 19th century, with turned wood red mallet. Created in China during the Qing dynasty, this round leather drum will make for an exquisite decorative accent in any home. Freestanding, it comes with its wooden mallet...

This early 19th century Swiss gold vinaigrette has the charming addition of a musical mechanism. The entire box is crafted of 14-karat yellow gold envelo...

Great decorator piece, strong presence, pictures do no justice. Tanggu drum. The tanggu (堂鼓; pinyin: tánggǔ, pronounced [tʰɑ̌ŋkù]; literally "ceremo...

Northern Plains parfleche bonnet case with original long fringe. Old smoke from the teepee. Period: circa 1870 Origin: Northern Plains Size: Case 19" ...

This charming antique silver musical box features a singing bird, which appears from an opening oval. The musical box is exquisitely crafted in the shape of a miniature grand piano, ...

Xylophone musical instrument, made of steel and bronze, 19th century.  

Polychrome Pueblo drum. From a private New York State historical society. Period: Last quarter of the 19th century. Origin: New York Size: 6" D x 6" H ...

Similar pair of antique wood cello cases on custom-made modern stands, placed as sculptures.

This special and important Swiss gold music box is chased and engraved with a set of musical instruments surrounded by elaborate swirls of ornate foliage. Embossed with a delightful braided gold design, the two-compartment box features an exquisite oval agate key, which opens a recessed lock in the base of the box. Such a box would have been a prized possession and would have been able to fit neatly into a gentleman’s waistcoat pocket. Ingenious miniature portable devices, musical snuff boxes...

An extraordinary and rare coin-operated Regina Sublima upright music box crafted by the Regina music box company, one of the most recognized music bo...

A Victorian oak cased set of five gongs, with beater.

Native American Pueblo Indian cottonwood trunk drum - it's old. Pueblo drum made from a hollowed out cottonwood trunk, old milk paint, - this one's been us...

Francois Linke (1855-1946) A very fine Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted kingwood piano,late 19th century , signed Francois Linke, stamped Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener, movement by E...

Three beautifully carved and patinated ceremonial drums from Sumba, Indonesia, circa 1930. Priced and sold individually. Sizes vary. Left and middle dr...

Henry Potter & Co. of West Street, London WC2 A ceremonial sterling silver bugle of military interest, made by the eminent musical instrument makers Henry Potter in 1939. Profusel...

A fine quality antique music box made by George Bendon of Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1880. The musical movement features 6 engraved bells struck by a delightful array of figurative ...

Arvin Model 527 Rhythm Senior Console Radio Bluetooth. The Rhythm Series was introduced in 1936. Some of the most beautiful and uncommon of all the Arvin sets are included in this ...

This is an antique schoolmaster's hand bell. An English, brass and lignum vitae ringer, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Beautifully patinated hand bell, with dec...

The most iconic “on air” sign warning lights were made by RCA Victor in the 1930s. When radio and television stations were creating live programs, they had...