A fine Grand Format musical box by Nicole Freres, No.32027, playing four overtures (Freischutz, Robert le Diable, William Tell and La Fille du Regiment), Gamme No.1500, with lever wind, three-wing governor, engraved tune sheet, Imhof & Mukle instructions (for key-wind boxes) and label on base, the rosewood-veneered case with bevelled corners, inlaid on front and lid in brass and enamel and mother-of-pearl - 28½in.(72cm.) wide, the cylinder 16¾ x 3 7/8in.(42 9.8cm.), on later fitted walnut stand with turned legs

Details

A fine Grand Format musical box by Nicole Freres, No.32027, playing four overtures (Freischutz, Robert le Diable, William Tell and La Fille du Regiment), Gamme No.1500, with lever wind, three-wing governor, engraved tune sheet, Imhof & Mukle instructions (for key-wind boxes) and label on base, the rosewood-veneered case with bevelled corners, inlaid on front and lid in brass and enamel and mother-of-pearl - 28½in.(72cm.) wide, the cylinder 16¾ x 3 7/8in.(42 9.8cm.), on later fitted walnut stand with turned legs

See Front Cover Illustration

Lot Essay

A similar overture box was sold in these rooms, December 13th, 1990, lot 136 (Serial No.35969). This had an accompanying letter fixing the date at 1860. This would place the present example in the early 1850s by Clark's dating: certainly, 32,000 is early for a lever-wind movement. This example is in excellent unrestored condition throughout, normal dampers noise being the only obvious point needing attention

More from Mechanical Music

View All