https://livesongcontainers.com Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:14:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 https://livesongcontainers.com/19th-century-mermod-freres-swiss-cylinder-music-box-playing-6-musica-airs/ https://livesongcontainers.com/19th-century-mermod-freres-swiss-cylinder-music-box-playing-6-musica-airs/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:42:42 +0000 https://livesongcontainers.com/19th-century-mermod-freres-swiss-cylinder-music-box-playing-6-musica-airs/









Up for sale is a beautiful, late 19th-century / early 20th-century antique Swiss cylinder music box housed in its original rosewood/stained walnut case. Based on the interior tune sheet, this machine plays a 6-song repertoire, including late-Victorian favorites like “Hail Columbia, ” “The Queen of Bohemia” (composed in 1899), and Carmen. Mechanical Condition: Fully Functional: The spring motor winds up, holds its tension, and plays through all 6 songs in sequence. There are no missing, broken, or repaired teeth. Original Components: The governor fly spins perfectly, the original track/tune indicator dial functions accurately (numbered 1-6), and both the Play/Stop and Change/Repeat levers work as intended. (see note) Interior Glass: The interior glass dust cover frame is present and intact. Cosmetic Condition: The exterior wood case is solid and shows an authentic, honest patina with surface scratches, scuffs, and age-related wear consistent with a 125-year-old historic item. The internal mechanism features original surface oxidation and tarnish. RARE HISTORIC PROVIDENCE INCLUDED! The tune sheet features beautiful, authentic period handwriting reading: Mary Elizabeth Campbell, March 9th, 1905. Historical research confirms this box was a 30th birthday gift to Mary Elizabeth Campbell of Hyrum (Cache Valley), Utah, born March 10, 1875. She passed away just five years later in 1910, making this an incredibly well-preserved, single-family heirloom with documented Utah pioneer-era history! Play/Stop Switch Note: The lever successfully starts and stops the music mechanism, but operates essentially as a one-way pusher. When moved to the “Play” position, it pushes the internal brake smoothly. When moved back, it does not mechanically grab or pull the internal assembly back on its own, likely due to a sticky or unhooked internal return spring. The previous owner applied a small amount of oil to the assembly to ensure smooth basic operation, but it has not been deep-cleaned or altered further. The cylinder mechanism will be safely secured, and the box will be heavily double-boxed with premium cushioning to ensure safe transit to its new home. Please review the photos carefully and feel free to reach out with any questions before purchasing!

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