A magnificent quality six bell and drum cylinder music box made by Charles Lecoultre of Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1870.

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

The music box plays a selection of ten operatic and popular tunes as listed on the rare and distinctive original diamond shaped tunesheet. Tunes include ‘Lucie de Lammermeer’ and ‘Rigoletto’, all played with a wonderful sound.

The case is lush, veneered in bird’s eye maple with delicate ornate inlaid designs to the lid, as well as with boxwood stringing to the lid and front. It also boasts gilt bronze side handles and sits on an ebonised plinth.

It is all in excellent condition and is a first-class music box by an excellent maker.