Antique Swiss marquetry wood music box by Langdorff & Fils

This exceptional music box was crafted in the late 19th century by Langdorff & Fils, a Swiss firm renowned for its expertise in producing music boxes. Operating in Geneva from 1850 to 1870, Langdorff & Fils created some of the finest examples of their craft. This particular piece was retailed in England by Wales & McCulloch, famous for being the direct importers of Nicole Frère’s music boxes.

The musical mechanism is encased in a rectangular wooden box with tall sides, adorned with intricate marquetry designs and string banding, all crafted from high-quality woods. A horn, surrounded by foliage, is set against an ebonised wood background, while symmetrical, scrolling shapes encircle the circular panel. A similar design decorates the lid of the music box. Gilt metal handles are elegantly shaped and affixed to the sides, and the piece rests on an ebonised wooden plinth.

Upon opening the box, the musical mechanism is revealed, activated by a lever on the left side. Music boxes of this era typically used a rotating pinned cylinder to create melodies. As the cylinder turned, the pins would pluck the teeth of a metal comb, producing sound. Once one melody finished, the cylinder shifted slightly, allowing a new set of pins to engage with the comb. This clever design enabled a single cylinder to store and play several different tunes seamlessly.

Further enhancing its appeal, a paper label affixed to the inside of the lid displays a printed classical design framing a handwritten list of the tunes this music box plays. The selection includes pieces by world-renowned composers such as Johann Strauss (1825–1899) and Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868).

This outstanding music box would make a magnificent gift for anyone with a passion for classical music and an appreciation for the history of musical instruments.