Antique Cylinder Music Box with 10 Tunes. Switzerland, Circa 1880–1890

Magnificent Swiss music box from the late 19th century, manufactured approximately between 1880 and 1890. It stands out for its large size, measuring over half a meter in length, its elegant floral marquetry decoration, and its ten-tune musical mechanism, which remains in perfect working condition. A beautiful piece that combines the appeal of decorative antiques with the charm of mechanical musical instruments. The case is made of wood with beautiful grain patterns in shades of brown and reddish tones. The lid features a delicate floral marquetry composition, consisting of small flowers, leaves, and branches crafted from woods of different colors. The decoration is framed by fine geometric inlay borders, which are also present on the front. The dark edges contrast with the warmth of the wood and add elegance to the overall appearance. Its considerable size gives it a particularly attractive presence. Upon lifting the lid, we find a beautiful period tune sheet, decorated with scenes of figures dressed in 18th-century fashion, musical instruments, and floral motifs. The central section displays the handwritten program of the ten tunes played by the mechanism. The tune sheet retains its attractive original colors and shows the small stains associated with the natural aging of paper. The musical program includes the following compositions: La Tonkinoise (Marche), Les Cloches de Corneville (Valse), Lisette (Polka), Mme Favart (Tyrolienne), Rip-Rip (Croisée à la jeunesse), Le Grand Mogol (Duo), Le Cœur et la Main (Couplets), Dona Juanita (Valse), Faust (Marche), and Le Jour et la Nuit (Ballade). The mechanism is protected by a second hinged glass lid, allowing the interior to be viewed and the movement of the cylinder to be observed without leaving it exposed. Inside, there is a long metal cylinder fitted with numerous pins that, as it rotates, activate the teeth of a steel comb to produce the different musical notes. It features an elegant metal indicator numbered from 1 to 10, showing the selected tune, and two side levers that control its operation, with the option of repeating the same composition or selecting automatic progression through the different tunes. Its state of preservation is excellent. The mechanism works perfectly and retains all the cylinder pins and all the teeth of the comb intact, including their delicate tips, something particularly important for proper musical reproduction. The wooden case is also in very good aesthetic condition, retaining its beautiful marquetry and decorative elements. In addition to its interest as an antique musical instrument, it is a highly charming decorative piece, ideal for a living room, library, or office. Its operation makes it possible to enjoy late 19th-century music just as it was heard before the gramophone became popular. A magnificent addition to a collection of mechanical musical instruments thanks to its ten tunes and generous dimensions. Its excellent mechanical condition allows its music to be fully enjoyed from the very first moment. The beauty of its marquetry and the appeal of its original tune sheet make it a particularly desirable antique for those who appreciate historical objects that still retain their practical function. A magnificent opportunity to acquire an authentic 19th-century Swiss music box that brings together three qualities especially appreciated by collectors: a ten-tune mechanism in perfect working condition, excellent preservation, and a beautiful, generously sized wooden case decorated with floral marquetry. Its beauty, careful craftsmanship, and the possibility of continuing to enjoy the same melodies that were heard more than 130 years ago make it an antique full of history and charm. A piece that will bring elegance and personality to any living room or library, particularly appealing as an addition to a fine collection of mechanical musical instruments. It would also make a magnificent gift for someone very special, someone who appreciates music, the beauty of antique objects, and the value of receiving something truly different, meant to be enjoyed and treasured for many years to come. Measurements: Case length: 52.5 cm (20.67 in). Depth: 22 cm (8.66 in). Height with lid closed: 15.5 cm (6.10 in). History of Swiss Music Boxes: Mechanical music boxes are among the most fascinating creations of the Swiss watchmaking industry. Their origins date back to the late 18th century, when the Geneva watchmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon developed, in 1796, a musical mechanism based on a cylinder fitted with small pins that activated the teeth of a metal comb. This ingenious system made it possible to reproduce melodies without the need for performers. Initially, musical mechanisms were incorporated into clocks, jewelry boxes, snuffboxes, and small luxury objects. Over time, independent music boxes began to be manufactured, equipped with increasingly large and sophisticated mechanisms. During the 19th century, Switzerland became the world's leading center for the manufacture of these instruments. The regions of Geneva, the Vallée de Joux, and especially Sainte-Croix developed an important specialized industry, with prominent manufacturers such as Paillard, Mermod, Reuge, Thorens, and Cuendet. Between 1875 and 1896, the Swiss music box industry experienced its period of greatest prosperity. Manufacturers competed to offer mechanisms capable of playing an increasing number of tunes, with greater musical richness and increasingly elaborate construction. Music boxes became highly prized objects in wealthy European and American households. In addition to their musical function, their wooden cases, frequently decorated with marquetry, made them highly attractive decorative objects. Their musical repertoires typically included operas, operettas, waltzes, polkas, marches, and popular songs of the period. The tune sheets made it possible to identify each composition and also served as decorative elements. In the late 19th century, the introduction and subsequent spread of the gramophone began to transform home musical entertainment, gradually replacing these instruments. Today, Swiss cylinder music boxes continue to be appreciated by collectors for their beauty, mechanical precision, and the opportunity to listen to music produced by historical mechanisms.