Collections record Beta
Collection Record Detail
Object Name
Music Box
Object Number
2016-52-16
Description
Rectangular single-cylinder music box. Dark stained case with inlaid rectangular border on front and inlaid rectangular border and thin inlaid flower motif on hinged lid, all done in a light wood. Diamond-shaped keyhole in case front. Music box has a single brass cylinder with numerous raised pins and a single steel comb with 46 teeth. A compartment to the left of the cylinder contains a lever wind for powering the mechanism, and the one to the right houses the two-switch control system, one for playing and stopping the music and another for setting the mechanism to repeat a single air (tune) or alternate between airs. As the cylinder rotates, the steel teeth pluck at certain pins while allowing others to pass; if the box is set to "change", the cylinder shifts horizontally when a new air is cued, allowing the comb to pluck a new set of pins. The music box is likely missing a register lever at the back-left of the case, which would indicate the number tune that is playing.
Provenance
Used and displayed in Sheldon Tavern.
Date Made
c.1880
Dimensions
Height 5.125", Width 15.5", Depth 7.5"
Social Tags (experimental)
