A fine piano-forte grand format mandoline musical box by Nicole Frères

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MUSICAL BOXES

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A fine piano-forte grand format mandoline musical box by Nicole Frères
No. 31610, playing four overtures (Guillaume Tell, der Freyschutz, Fra Diavolo and Dame Blanche), Gamme No. 1418, with lever wind (originally ratchet-key), instant stop, three-winged governor, hinged endflap, key compartment and silvered tune programme engraved for T. Cox, Savory & Co., 54 Cornhill, London, in brass-strung rosewood veneered case with angle-bead corners, inlaid on the front and lid with engraved brass and mother-of-pearl borders around a central cartouche of pale blue, cobalt, rose, white and tortoiseshell-red enamel -- 26½in. (67.5cm.) wide, the cylinder 16. 3/4. (43cm.) x 4in. (10cm.) diam.

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

In addition to the piano-forte arrangement, there are small groups of mandoline teeth (3-6) extending over most of the main comb. The two combs contain approximately 240 teeth.

The movement is in good, unrestored condition. There are one/two defective teeth in the main comb caused by an old solder repair, and the dampers require attention. The inner glass lid has been replaced; however, apart from three missing brass scrolls and some defective stringing and beading, the case is in excellent original condition.

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