SWISS CYLINDER INLAID MUSIC BOX. 6 AIRES WORKING PLAYS. This antique Swiss cylinder inlaid music box is a true gem from the late 1800s. Made in Switzerland and featuring 6 aires, this working music box is a unique addition to any collection. The time period of manufacture for this music box is pre-1900. Comb – one piece is missing – see photos – no key. Good for age – plays 2 songs – one comb missing – no key. Measures: 13 1/14″ x 6 1/4″. Weighs: almost 8 lbs. The cylinder is the cylindrical piece of metal that has the music printed on it in small, readable bumps. The cylinder turns when it is powered, and is the piece that produces the music. The comb is a metal piece that goes beneath the cylinder to help read and produce the music. The comb is shaped just like that – a comb with metal teeth that reach up to the cylinder. This is where the power comes from in order to power the mechanical music box. When you pull, turn, or rotate the lever of the music box, the lever activates the spring in the spring housing, which in turn creates the power for the box. With turning the lever you are powering the box yourself! Also called the air-brake, this part of the music box regulates the speed of all the other pieces, so that the music doesn’t go too fast or too slow. Everything in the music box is placed and attached to this one piece, so that it all fits together without moving. Please check out our Store – A Genuine Treasure – for more items. Thanks for looking and happy.