An interchangeable musical box by Billon-Haller
This lot is subject to Collection and Storage Char… Read more
An interchangeable musical box by Billon-Haller

Details
An interchangeable musical box by Billon-Haller
with seven cylinders playing four airs each (six with labels listing the airs), nickel-plated double-spring movement, zither attachment, speed control, lyre-shaped change/repeat, combined spring-barrel clamp and stop/play control, in crossbanded rosewood veneered case with full-length glass inner lid, inlaid lid and integral drop-flap cylinder storage compartment with two pull-out sections - 23½in. (59cm.) wide, the cylinders 8¼in. (21cm.)
Special notice
This lot is subject to Collection and Storage Charges. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

Jean Billon-Haller's unusual interchangeable design uses an endless screw (constantly turning from the spring-barrel) as a spring-barrel lock. The cylinder can be stopped at any time during the tune by turning the screw anti-clockwise, or at the end of the tune with the stop/play lever, which blocks the barrel and prevents it turning. Once the movement is set to play, the spring can only be released again by turning the screw clockwise. Compare lots 480 and 481.
The seven cylinders play a programme of operatic, religious, popular and American airs.

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