Exquisite interchangeable cylinder music box by Mermod Frères – circa 1870
Offered for sale: a museum-worthy mechanical musical instrument: a magnificent interchangeable cylinder music box by the renowned Swiss manufacturer Mermod Frères of Sainte-Croix, manufactured around 1870. This exceptional instrument impresses not only with its technical precision but also with its stately appearance as a lavish piece of furniture.
The cabinet and the accompanying stand are masterfully crafted with beautiful burr walnut veneer and embellished with delicate inlays and ebonized accents. The original stand features custom-made drawers for the safe storage of the interchangeable cylinders.
Technical details and features
Manufacturer: Mermod Frères, Sainte-Croix (Switzerland) – signed with the initials "M.F." on the lid of the lyre.
System: Interchangeable cylinder system in the rare "Grand Format" version. Cylinders: A total of six solid cylinders (one in the mechanism, five in the case). Each cylinder is 44 cm long, ensuring a complex and rich sound.
Drive: Robust double spring mechanism for an exceptionally long playing time per winding.
Operation: Classic levers for start/stop and for selecting between melody repetition or automatic song change.
Condition: The case is in very well-preserved original condition with a beautiful patina. The mechanism is fully intact, including the original keys.
Musical repertoire
Thanks to the six included cylinders, this instrument boasts an enormous repertoire that covers the entire spectrum of popular music from that era – from classical opera arias to popular 19th-century dances. Dimensions
Length of the rollers: 44 cm
Total dimensions: Width 1.30 m, Height 1.08 m, Depth 0.62 m
Music box: Width 1.10 m, Height 0.30 m, Depth 0.42 m
Conclusion: A rare collector's item in a configuration rarely found on the market today. The combination of Mermod Frères' technical genius and the preservation of the complete set of rollers, including the original table, makes this piece a first-class investment for lovers of mechanical antiques.
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