$4,900
Interchangeable Harpe Harmonique Musical Box by Charles Paillard, No. 25343, for the American market, with five cylinders playing six airs each, two-part comb, engine-turned zither attachment, double-spring motor, five tune-sheets (Bulleid No. 89), pewter-strung ebonized interior with ripple molding, and quarter-veneered walnut case with cylinder storage drawer, tulipwood banding and brass and mother-of-pearl inlaid medallions on front and lid, wd. 33, cylinders 13 in. Note: Bulleid associates this tune-sheet design with Paillard boxes sold in America. The program features two cylinders of dance music, one of popular airs (including Star Spangled Banner ) and one of opera. A fifth cylinder, added later, plays a selection of popular and operatic airs, including Home Sweet Home and The Last Rose of Summer with a pleasing mandoline arrangement. Movement was cleaned several years ago and plays well, albeit with a couple of damper squeaks. The musical arrangements are generally effective, some with distinct mandoline expression. Case retains original finish with mellow patina; there are some missing pieces of edge veneer on the lid, and some wear to the ebonized finish on the lid interior. The fifth cylinder has a replacement tune-sheet. Lid slightly warped.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2008-08-23
