Object Description
Antique parquetry wood music box by Nicole Frères
Swiss, Late 19th Century
Height 24cm, width 87cm, depth 35cm
This exquisite antique is a late 19th-century music box, meticulously crafted by one of the period’s most renowned creators of musical devices.
Encased within a rectangular wooden box is the mechanism. The exterior of the box features straight banding that elegantly frames each panel, while the sides are embellished with cast gilt metal handles. A gilt metal keyhole adorns the front, adding a touch of refinement. The entire piece is supported by a tiered wooden base finished in ebonised wood, complementing the matching design of the lid.
Opening the lid reveals the intricate workings of the music box. As was typical of similar designs from this era, it employs a rotating pinned cylinder that engages with a comb to produce melodies. After one tune concludes, the cylinder shifts slightly, aligning a new set of pins with the comb to perform additional melodies, demonstrating the sophistication of its engineering.
Stamped within the interior are various marks, including the maker’s signature: ‘NICOLE FRÈRES / GENEVE.’ This celebrated French firm is highly regarded, with an example of their craftsmanship displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Such provenance enhances the desirability of this exceptional piece, making it a superb acquisition for collectors of musical instruments.