An excellent and unusual antique orchestral music box with drum, castanet and 7 bells made by Karrer of Geneva in c. 1880.

This large music box features an unusual formation in its musical movement, where the 7 bells are arranged in two rows and struck by colourful enamelled bee strikers poisitioned between the rows. 

Another notable feature is the one purely decorative bell that does not strike – a completely original feature intended to make this rare arrangement work on an aesthetic level. 

Both the drum and the castanet are each struck by 6 beaters apiece, and all elements can be engaged and disengaged at will. 

The music box plays a selection of 12 popular tunes with a fine sound, and sits within a beautiful inlaid rosewood case. 

This features a musical motif to the lid and, to the front, a rare inlay of a fisherman with his dog sitting by a stream. 

This all sits on an ebonised plinth together with decorative gilt handles.