SYMPHONION “ORPHANAGE” MUSIC BOX. Around 1885, Symphionion Musikwerke of Leipzig, Germany, brought the first disk music boxes to market, simultaneously introducing to the world a method of making music of virtually unlimited variety, and thus hastening the decline and fall of the Swiss cylinder box makers. Then, of course, Thomas Edison and others eclipsed everybody with their phonographs, which could add voices to the equation. By 1910 or so, most music box makers were consigned to history, but Symphonion managed to survive well into the 1930’s, partly by expanding their product offerings and diversifying. Symphonion was known for making a tremendous variety of styles to house their instruments: chalets, clocks, banks, etc. This is certainly one of their most creative adaptations, serving as a musical donation box at the reception desk of an orphanage, run by the Sisters of St. Catherine, in Berlin, after the Great War. The casing houses a double-comb Symphonion movement, playing size 8.5 disks, of which eight (8) are included. Plays the disk twice after a quarter is dropped in the upper slot. Measurements are 16″ wide x 12″ deep x 25 high overall. Adorned with a statue atop, front plaque, and a casting describing the attributions. There is a locking coin drawer at the rear, and a front drawer for storing the extra disks. This very special piece is in fantastic condition. There are no broken comb teeth, damper noises or other issues. The speed control works, there is a stop-start switch on the left, and the original winding crank is furnished. This is a very rare and unique instrument and the only one we’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. 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 “VERY RARE MUSICAL COIN-OP SYMPHONION ORPHANAGE MUSIC BOX” is in sale since Sunday, July 19, 2020. 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.