Is it a Cylinder or Disk Music Box?? Perhaps the most unique music box ever created, with an intriguing back story, dating to the early 1890’s. At that time, Polyphon Musikwerke of Germany decided to manufacture music boxes in the U. They sent Gustave Brachhausen to America with a mandate to begin manufacturing as soon as possible. Brackhausen set up shop in New Jersey and initially manufactured to Polyphon’s designs, then quickly moving to newer more “Americanized” designs, which became the Regina lineup. As luck would have it, he lived in a house across the street from Frederick Otto, who, together with his sons, ran a successful manufacturing company specializing in surgical instruments. Brachhausen and Otto, as neighbors, shared a social life and bragged to one another of their respective commercial successes. Otto, however, cleverly learned from his new friend the many aspects of music box manufacture, and decided to have a go of it himself. To avoid patent infringement issues, he and his sons designed a new type of music box, a sort of hybrid of cylinder and disk movements, which they branded the “Capital”. The tapered music sheets looked similar in size and shape to the removable cuffs that gentlemen used on their dress clothes. Thus, the term Capital Cuff music box has stuck with these pieces to this day. Due to the competition, their neighborly relationship was now past history; Otto and Brachhausen entered into a long and litigious period, with Regina emerging victorious. It was a Pyrrhic victory, though, as the phonograph displaced music boxes soon after. This model being offered, is the Model “C”. It utilizes the largest cuffs that Capital offered, 7.75″ x 4.25″ x 3.25. The comb has 81 teeth, all in perfect condition with no replacements or damper issues. Everything is in wonderful condition, with the polished case measuring 28″ x 17″ x 12. This dates to 1895. Serial Number is C-393. 10 excellent cuffs will be supplied together with the machine. We have many additional cuffs available (at a discounted price to the purchaser of this music box). We have an optional original table available to the purchaser of this music box, a unique “Lazy Susan” carousel design that is almost impossible to acquire anywhere, at any price. This is your opportunity to acquire a rare and desirable music box of heirloom quality. Only the best, safest packing materials are utilized. 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. Best Quality Best Selection Best Guarantee. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Music Boxes”. The seller is “musicaltreasuresofmiami” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland