$16,450
Fine Key-Wind Overture Musical Box by Ducommun-Girod, No. 16760, the bedplate stamped Ducommun-Girod and "cross" foundry mark, playing three overtures by Rossini ( Semiramis, le Barbier de Seville and La Pie Voleuse ) on six-step cam, with brass comb-washers and instant-stop, in boxwood-strung figured rosewood case with plain interior, hinged endflap, and lid with inlay of trailing flowers and foliate-scrolls, wd. 14 1/2 in., cylinder 8 x 2 1/2 in., (case with some missing beading and old veneer repair to lid). Note: The unusual three-air programme by one composer features overtures from Rossini's early career. The latest piece, Semiramide , first performed in 1823, was his last opera written for Italy. There are approximately 155 teeth in the comb, and tunes last for just under 2 1/4 minutes. There is no tune-sheet, nor any indication of one. Instead, the tunes are listed in ink on the key-compartment division. Apart from minimal cleaning and damper adjustment, the movement is in excellent and apparently original playing condition.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2005-11-03
