Unusual Antique Drum & Bell Music Box in Porcelain-panelled case, Swiss/French, c. 1875
This is a most unusual and highly decorative music box. The case is outstanding: it boasts three large beautiful hand-painted porcelain panels of cherubs, surrounded on the front and rear by gilt sways and mounts. The lid also has three smaller porcelain plaques and gilt mounts. This all sits on its own matching table, making it a great feature piece.
This case is probably French, having had the musical movement fitted to it in the late 19th century. The movement is Swiss, possibly by Samuel Troll of Geneva and made in c. 1875. It has been fully restored, and features 5 engraved bells struck by swallow strikers, and a drum with 7 beaters. It plays 10 operatic and popular airs, including La Traviata and Loin du Bal, with a very nice sound that complements the case beautifully.
The combination of this case with this movement is quite possibly unique, and makes a fantastically attractive music box. It would be hard to find another.