A lovely top-quality antique music box made by Paillard of St Croix, Switzerland in c. 1880.

The fully serviced movement features 8 bells, all individually engraved, together with a central drum, all of which can be disengaged at will by the levers at the front of the movement.

The comb has three sections, and the music box plays a selection of 8 operatic tunes as detailed on the original tunesheet.

There is also the retailer’s label from Wales & McCulloch of Ludgate Hill in London, another sign of quality, since this firm only traded in first-class music boxes.

The case is also beautiful: rosewood inlaid with a cartouche to the lid,s well as kingwood banding and boxwood stringing to the lid, front, and sides. It also features gilt side carrying handles.

All in excellent condition and with an excellent tone.