IMPORTANT SWISS IDEAL INTERCHANGEABLE CYLINDER MUSIC BOX AND CABINET BY MERMOD FRERES, 19TH CENTURY.circa 1886. Cylinder music box rests on polished ebonized cabinet decorated with ormolu fittings and Sevres porcelain plaques bearing painted images of young couples. Accompanied by eight cylinders (each with eight songs) and hand-written tune cards. Tempo indicator bears Mermod Freres shield. Sevres plaques signed "A. Duret". Cabinet has bird's eye maple interior with eight fitted drawers to store and protect each cylinder. With key. Music box: 49 1/2 in. x 16 7/8 in. x 10 5/8 in. Cabinet: 55 in. x 21 in. x 42 1/4 in. - Music box: 49 1/2 in. x 16 7/8 in. x 10 5/8 in. Cabinet. 55 in. x 21 in. x 42 1/4 in. Estimate $30,000-40,000
NOTE: One of two examples of its kind known to exist; the other, which is virtually identical to this example, was made for Nicholas II, future Czar of Russia in 1878.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at M.S. Rau Antiques, New Orleans, LA. Accompanied by copy of original purchase receipt and appraisal information.
Condition: Case and mechanics both excellent: well-maintained; plays beautifully.
