Details
A 'Columbia' Sublime Harmonie Quatuor
interchangeable cylinder musical box by E.Paillard & Co., Ste Croix, with four grand format cylinders playing six airs each, crank-wind double-spring motor with instant stop, speed control, tune selector and tune indicator, zither attachment, nickel-plated and gilt fittings, coloured title card in lid and walnut case of Italian Renaissance style with blind-fretted panels to the case, carved convex frieze rail to the table incorporating drawer with fall-front and sliding cylinder-rack with slots for six cylinders, on turned and carved legs joined by central stretcher -- 52½ in. (130 cm.) wide overall, the cylinders 20 x 3 1/8 in. (41 x 8 cm.) diam., with booklet containing tune sheets for cylinders 1 and 2.
interchangeable cylinder musical box by E.Paillard & Co., Ste Croix, with four grand format cylinders playing six airs each, crank-wind double-spring motor with instant stop, speed control, tune selector and tune indicator, zither attachment, nickel-plated and gilt fittings, coloured title card in lid and walnut case of Italian Renaissance style with blind-fretted panels to the case, carved convex frieze rail to the table incorporating drawer with fall-front and sliding cylinder-rack with slots for six cylinders, on turned and carved legs joined by central stretcher -- 52½ in. (130 cm.) wide overall, the cylinders 20 x 3 1/8 in. (41 x 8 cm.) diam., with booklet containing tune sheets for cylinders 1 and 2.
Further details
From the book of tune-sheets and the fact that cylinders Nos 1 and 2 are so stamped, it is clear that this musical box, a true 'interchangeable cylinder' model, was originally supplied with two cylinders , others being added later. To fit six in the drawer would require them to be fitted in with some care, with the drive discs overlapping.
Dating from the period 1896-1900, this musical box, possibly an exhibition piece, represents the final flowering of the Swiss musical box industry.
Dating from the period 1896-1900, this musical box, possibly an exhibition piece, represents the final flowering of the Swiss musical box industry.