Video will open in a new window. One of many fine antique mechanical music pieces boxes offered for sale – please look at my other listings too. Very rare and early music box example (musical snuff box) in perfect, fully serviced, working condition. The original hand painted maiden on the top lid is truly magnificent. This was crafted in 1825 and the sectional musical comb is comprised of solid steel teeth (photo 12) without any dampers (dampers were not yet invented). The early music boxes used solid steel teeth instead of teeth with soldered brass weights or later, soldered lead weights. This required the master to hand make and tune each tooth from a solid piece of steel which takes a lot longer to perform. This sectional comb music box plays two beautifully arranged and complex songs. I have been told that the first song played in the video is Rossini’s “The Thieving Magpie”. The case is properly hallmarked and is Dutch. The date code of “q” indicates 1825, Lion Passant mark indicates a silver purity of. 833 minimum and the Minerva head mark indicates that duty was paid. I fully serviced this music box so it plays beautifully, especially for a “pre-damper” crafted music box. Dampers help eliminate unwanted vibrations on music boxes (squeaks) meaning pre-damper music boxes will always have a squeak here and there. PLEASE EXPLORE MY OTHER LISTINGS. CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE AS I ENJOY SHARING WHAT I KNOW. Troy Duncan, CPA, retired. The item “ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER MUSIC BOX SNUFF BOX TABATIERE ROSSINI (WATCH VIDEO)” is in sale since Sunday, February 9, 2020. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Music Boxes\Pre-1900″. The seller is “singingbirdbox” and is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This item can be shipped worldwide.