This is a wonderful and rare full orchestral music box made by the prestigious firm of Nicole Freres in Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1875.

The fully serviced movement features a snare drum with 8 beaters, 6 bells with bee strikers and a bird finial on top, a castanet with 6 beaters, and a 20 note reed organ. It has been restored to the highest standard, including recovery of the organ bellows, and plays a selection of 8 operatic tunes. 

The case is veneered in rosewood with kingwood crossbanding to the lid, front and sides, and also boasts beautiful marquetry inlays to both the lid and front. As a large and impressive music box, it also has ornate ormolu carrying handles to the sides. 

All together, it is an exceptional and complex music box by one the best makers.