Full orchestral interchangeable antique music box made by Samuel Troll et Fils of Geneva in c. 1875
A magnificent full orchestral interchangeable antique music box made by Samuel Troll et Fils of Geneva in c. 1875 (No. 5192), sitting on its own matching burr walnut table that houses the six cylinder, each playing 6 airs.
Of all the interchangeables I have handled over the years, this is certainly one of the very finest. It is all original and in absolutely first-class condition. The fully overhauled movement has a massive spring, ribbed brass bedplate, skin drum, 6 engraved bells struck by colourful bee strikers, a castanet, and a very well-tuned 20-note reed organ. The cylinder is 16” / 41cm long x 2 ¾” / 7cm diameter.
This is housed within a fabulous burr walnut case with tulipwood banding, cabriole legs and gilded carrying handles. It also has the original tunecard, along with two exquisite cut-and-faceted steel keys (one of which has a bit of damage). As you can hear from the video, the sound is quite superb, with an exceptional coordination of the organ with the other orchestral elements. All the tunes play at the same quality. This really is a top-of-the-line interchangeable music box.
Size below is of the table. The box itself is 37 1/2" / 95cm wide x 13 1/2" / 34cm high x 17" / 43cm deep.