SUPERB 'CONCERTO PICCOLO' SIX AIR MUSIC BOX C.1880

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On offer here from my collection is a very fine musical box in remarkably good playing condition, you won't find many music boxes that sound as good as this one. Hear it playing in the video below! Dating from around 1880, the original tune sheet bears the importers trade mark 'AW' for Adolph Woog who were importers and agents for Swiss manufacturers of musical boxes and watches. I t certainly bears all the hallmarks of the best quality work, so likely to have been made by either Langdorff or Conchon. When playing, f or its size the musical sound is impressive as it is unusually clear and bright compared to most examples of this type which have multiple combs. The tuning is brilliant and effective, this is allied to exceptional musical arrangements. Of fairly compact dimensions, the case measures 57 x 25 x 16 cms. The solid case is original to the movement and has never suffered from worm or rot of any kind. It has been repolished to a very high standard in the traditional way (no polyurethane here) with a high gloss finish. Veneered on all sides, it has ebony banding inset with figured panels of a dark honey colour, possibly mahogany. It also has a 'cushion' shaped lid denoting quality and unusually, even the back has finely figured veneer. The movement is of high quality manufacture, mechanically it is in very good order having recently been overhauled. On operating the control lever, the governor starts by itself, the wheels throughout being in perfect condition. Wound by a lever ratchet, the spring will drive the wheel train from top to bottom, limited only by the stop work. The pinned cylinder measures 33 cms x 5.5 cms diameter playing on three steel combs. A ll the pins on the cylinder are present and point in the same direction. Two of the combs are near identical and have 'Sublime Harmonie' tuning which gives a vibrato effect, with the third smaller comb being at a higher 'Piccolo' pitch which adds brilliance as well as further vibrato. Altogether a total of 123 teeth in perfectly original condition, there are no old repairs or indeed any rust, n one have been replaced . As one can hear in the video, all the dampers are present and working. Importantly, t he original tune sheet survives more or less intact and is marked with the trademark of the importer A.W. (Adolph Woog). The programme consists of six popular and operatic tunes;- 1) Poet and Peasant Overture (Theme) 2) 'Swiss Song' -- Mazurka by Faust 3 ) Fille du Regiment March by Donizetti 4) Ailes D'Alouette Waltz -- by K. Bella 5) Les Cloches de Corneville -- Polka by Planquette 6) Il Trovatore -- Coro di Zingari by Verdi PLEASE NOTE It is important that the winning bidder should contact me immediately after purchase in order to arrange payment details. As musical boxes do not travel well, the buyer may collect (Central London). I use a shipper who gives an efficient and excellent service, they will professionally pack and arrange for dispatch via a recognized courier. T he cost of shipping may well vary from the figure given but I can give a quote if necessary providing it is within a stipulated area and I have the zip code, post code etc. ALSO PLEASE NOTE DELIVERY WILL BE THROUGH MY SHIPPER ONLY AS IT WILL BE FULLY INSURED AND TRACKED AND THE ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME SHOWN IS FOR UK BUYERS ONLY FOR OVERSEAS BUYERS DELIVERY MAY TAKE UP TO THREE WEEKS DEPENDING ON LOCATION ALSO POTENTIAL BUYERS OVERSEAS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT IMPORT DUTY ON THIS ITEM MAY HAVE TO BE PAID AND FINALLY I WILL NOT SEND OVERSEAS BY REGULAR POSTAL SERVICE IN ORDER TO AVOID CUSTOMS DUTY read more

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