A mandarins and bells-in-sight musical box
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A mandarins and bells-in-sight musical box

Details
A mandarins and bells-in-sight musical box
playing eight airs, accompanied by six bells struck by three polychrome mandarin automata with articulated heads and arms, in grained case with tune-sheet and rosewoood lid with inlaid tambourine motif -- 19¼in. (49cm.) wide, the cylinder 9 1/8in. (23cm.), (original combs in poor condition)
Provenance
The collection of the late David Snelling.
Special notice
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

The replacement comb by Adrian Little has been leaded and drilled for dampers; the original six-tooth percussion comb requires repairs to the tips. The cylinder has been stripped and is ready for repinning, which has already been started at the bass end. The majority of the movement hardware (including stopwork, combs screws and washers, and tune-change detent) has been removed and preserved for re-assembly.

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