A superior quality cylinder music box made by Charles Lecoultre of Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1870.

The musical movement features a central drum and 6 rack mounted saucer bells struck by axe head strikers and supported by two ornamental mermaids. Both the drum and the bell section can be engaged and disengaged at will.

The music box plays a selection of 8 operatic and popular tunes as listed on the rare and distinctive original diamond shaped tunesheet. Tunes include ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ and ‘La Vie Parisienne’, all played with a wonderful sound.

The case is also rather special, veneered and with tulipwood inlay and a beautiful coloured enamel and boxwood cartouche to lid. It sits on an ebonised plinth inlaid with kingwood and has gilt bronze side handles.

It is all in perfect condition and is a wonderfully characterful box.