SIX (6) INTERCHANGEABLE CYLINDERS. In the 1800’s, music boxes were almost the sole province of the Swiss, who developed a huge export industry based in St. Croix, and with outposts in Geneva, Teufenthahl, etc. Their quality and perfectionism speaks to this day, and it is a true wonder that most of these fine instruments were made without even the benefit of electricity. And, it should be pointed out, these are instruments , creating music directly, as opposed to the phonograph, which reproduces music. However, the phonograph could also incorporate the human voice, and this factor lead to their huge popularity and the music box’s demise. Late in the 19th century, though, the Swiss countered this challenge, albeit temporarily, by assembling a cartel of manufacturers, each making various component parts, with final assembly in St. This mass-manufacturing did not lower quality, but brought a sort of assembly-line automation to the process, lowering their costs and thus maintaining their profit margins. Many of these sub-manufacturers were Swiss farmers, who with the benefit of a machine shop in their barn, could find useful employ during the long, cold winter months when farming was out of the question. If you find the above somewhat fascinating, we recommend the book, published in English by the MBSI (Music Box Society International), entitled “The Music Box Makers”, which chronicles the industry in and around St. Now, for the details of this “cartel” music box, bearing Serial #19145. This particular box, by virtue of it’s characteristics, can be dated to approximately 1890. There are six (6) interchangeable cylinders, measuring 13″ long x 2″ diameter, housed in a table with two drawers. Each plays six (6) tunes for a total of 36 songs. There is no tune card. The comb, with approximately 130 teeth, is in excellent condition. Indeed, we sent the mechanism to the Baud Museum workshop in L’Auberson, Switzerland, for restoration. The Baud family has been restoring music boxes for many generations and are considered to be #1 in the world in this regard. The overall dimensions of the table are 42″ wide x 23″ deep x 30 high. The music box is 31″ wide x 12″ deep x 9 high (when closed). Everything was completely restored cosmetically in our workshop here. Musicaltreasuresofmiami – Swiss 6-cylinder music box #495 – YouTube. In addition to the book, we will also include a free first-year membership in the MBSI, a wonderful way to start or continue this great field of collecting. We are a leading world-wide dealer and specialist in mechanical music, clocks and phonographs and stand by what we sell 100%. Musical Treasures of Miami. 2940 West Lake Vista Circle, Davie, FL 33328. Antique Music Boxes – Clocks – Phonographs. The item “SWISS INTERCHANGEABLE 6 CYLINDER MUSIC BOX & TABLE WE SHIP WORLDWIDE” is in sale since Wednesday, November 6, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Music Boxes\Pre-1900″. The seller is “musicaltreasuresofmiami” and is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland