Allard & Sandoz Swiss Music Box

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...

Music and Jewellery Box, Asprey London. Movement by Reuge, Switzerland. Miniature jewellery and music box in the style of a grand piano in a mahogany and walnut veneered case inlaid with marquetry throughout featuring musical instruments, raised on three turned tapered legs. The front opening to reveal a traditional keyboard with brass button slider. The top opening to reveal a green baize lined jewellery compartment bearing a brass plaque signed ‘Asprey, London’. c.1970 A separate compartment opening within to reveal a Swiss musical movement...