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Grand Format Four Overture Antique Cylinder Music Box by Nicole Freres, c. 1865
About the Item
A rare and spectacular grand format four overture cylinder music box made by the prestigious firm of Nicole Freres in Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1865. Musically sumptuous, visually stunning, of the very first quality and made by one of the most respected makers in arguably their best period, this is one of the finest music boxes you could hope for.
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The grand format cylinder is approximately 4” / 10cm in diameter and 16 ¾” / 42.5cm long. Cylinders of this specification are rare and highly sought after, and with good reason. The extra size allow for both longer playing time and much more ambitious pinning arrangements, thus lending themselves to operatic overtures. Each tune with this music box plays for approximately 2:35 minutes with a highly complex and rich sound. The range and ambition of the musical arrangements represent the pinnacle of the art of music box manufacture.
The music box bears the serial number 41813 stamped on the bedplate and engraved on the tunesheet, where the gamme number 1964 also appears. The Nicole Freres stamps also appear on both of the combs and on the bedplate.
The music box plays four overtures:
1. William Tell by Rossini
2. The Barber of Seville by Rossini
3. I Puritani by Bellini
4. Il Trovatore by Verdi
These are detailed on the engraved brass tunesheet which bears the following inscription:
“4 Overtures Grand Format Gme No. 1964
No. 41813
1 ouverture de Guillme Tell by Rossini
2 ouve du Barbier “ Rossini
3 ouve D. I Puritani Bellini
4 ouve du Trovatore Verdi
Fabrique par Nicole Freres Pour Wales & McCulloch
22 Ludgate Hill, London”
Wales & McCulloch were retailers of invariably excellent quality music boxes near St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London.
The case of the music box is correspondingly spectacular, veneered in a variety of rich woods with brass, pewter and enamel inlays to the lid and the front, along with pewter stringing to the sides.
It is a magnificent example.
- Creator:Nicole Frères (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 29.34 in (74.5 cm)Depth: 8.27 in (21 cm)
- Style:Victorian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1860-1869
- Date of Manufacture:1865
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: VFA13111stDibs: LU9676242728572
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