Swiss Interchangeable Cylinder Music Box by Mermod Freres
This interchangeable cylinder music box by Swiss manufacturer Mermod Freres is a beautiful piece of musical history.
This exceptional music box features three interchangeable cylinders, each capable of playing six tunes. A nickel-plated sublime harmonie movement produces the music, which includes a tune indicator, tempo control, and mandolin attachment.
The instrument resides in a stunning book-matched flame mahogany case, adorned with ebonized banding and cast brass handles. The case is a work of art in itself, reflecting the attention to detail and craftsmanship of the era. The base pulls out to reveal a drawer to house each cylinder safely, adding practicality and desirability to the design.
The music box comes complete with three original color tune cards, adding to the historical significance of the piece and wonderfully providing a glimpse into the popular music of the time.
The Mermod Freres manufacture stands synonymous with quality, and this music box is a fine representation of their work. Due to the added complexity and cost of producing interchangeable cylinder music boxes, they were generally far more expensive than their non-interchangeable counterparts. As a result, they were an immense luxury item and owned primarily by the very wealthy. Today, antique interchangeable cylinder music boxes are highly prized by collectors and appreciators alike for their rarity and historical significance. They represent a fascinating piece of musical history and provide a glimpse into the technological advancements of the era.
This fantastic music box bears a complete restoration and carries a one-year warranty.
11″High x 30.5″ Wide x 15.5″ Deep
Circa 1885