Swiss Nicole Frères Six-Tune Cylinder Music Box

Musical artistry meets elegant craftsmanship in this Swiss cylinder music box by Nicole Frères of Geneva. Renowned for producing some of the greatest machines in the golden age of music boxes, Nicole Frères of Geneva is one of the most prestigious names in nineteenth-century mechanical music. The firm built a reputation that still distinguishes its music boxes among collectors today. Celebrated for the quality of its instruments, the firm built a reputation that still distinguishes its music boxes among collectors today.

A 13-inch pinned cylinder plays six tunes, with the musical mechanism displayed beneath a protective glass cover. The richly figured wood veneer case provides an equally beautiful setting, embellished with contrasting inlaid borders and elaborate scrolling marquetry centered on the front and lid. Dark molded edges and a stepped base frame the warm wood tones, lending the case a handsome architectural profile.

Opening the lid reveals the Nicole Frères tune sheet and gilt lettering for Alfred Hays of London’s Royal Exchange Buildings, adding further historical interest. Beautiful to display and captivating in operation, this restored music box brings the pleasures of nineteenth-century musical entertainment into the home.

6.5″ High x 23.75″ Wide x 9.75″ Deep

Restored, One-Year Warranty

Circa 1880