A very attractive and beautiful sounding 6 bell and drum antique music box made by Paillard of Saint Croix in c. 1875. 

The movement features six engraved bells (two of which are topped by birds), struck by an array of gilt bird and swallow strikers. There is also a central drum, and a three comb arrangement for the cylinder. The movement has been fully overhauled so that not only does in look superb, but is also in fantastic condition. 

The tunesheet is original, and list the 8 tunes that the music box plays, including airs from La Traviata (featured in the video), Il Trovatore and Faust. The tunesheet has been cut down at some time in its history, but still retains its sense of age and character. 

The case is very elegant - rosewood veneered with kingwood crossbanding, tulipwood stringing, and an inlaid motif to both the lid and the front. The box has lovely proportions too, making it a particularly good example.