An exquisite and superior quality antique forte piano music box made by the firm of Ducommun Girod in Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1870.
Most remarkable about this music box is its magnificent case. The case was probably made in France. Veneered in kingwood in a chequerboard pattern on the outside, the lid features an intricate star-shaped pattern of wood and antique ivory (registered for legal sale, registration # 22AC61Y3). It sits on four decorative scrolling ormolu feet, with the lid & corners similarly bound with ormolu mounts. The interior of the case is veneered in birdseye maple with a rich pattern. Everything is of first-class quality.
The fully serviced musical movement features two combs - one long, one short - to create the distinctive forte piano sound of the music. It is key wound using the original key that sits in a compartment at the right hand end of the music box, and inserted for winding at the left hand end of the box, where a flap opens to reveal the controls.
The music box plays 6 operatic tunes as detailed on the replacement tunesheet. It has a superb sound.