Paillard Orchestra Music Box
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This Paillard interchangeable-cylinder music box is a work of both mechanical and furniture artistry
Key Features
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- This Paillard interchangeable-cylinder music box is a work of both mechanical and furniture artistry
- The music box itself is a highly collectible orchestral box, containing a 20-key organ
- This wonderful instrument is housed in a lovely walnut and burl-veneered case with fine inlay cover
- The name of Paillard is listed among the giants of Swiss music box manufacture
- Circa 1890
- Music Box: 34 5/8" x 14 3/8" x 8 ¾"; Table: 43" x 23" x 29 ¾"
Item Details
- Width:
34 5/8" Inches - Height:
8 3/4" Inches - Depth:
14 3/8" Inches - Period:
19th Century - Origin:
Switzerland
A fascinating Paillard interchangeable-cylinder music box is a work of both mechanical and furniture-making artistry. The music box itself is a highly collectible orchestral box, containing a 20-key organ, and optional six bells, drum, castagnette and zither. Songs are played on the three 16¼-inch cylinders, each of which plays six airs. The fully-operational mechanism is set in motion by a small knob and stops automatically. This wonderful instrument is housed in a lovely walnut and burl-veneered case with brass and mother-of-pearl inlay in the cover. Both the music box and the table feature beautiful wood inlay.
Music Box: 34 5/8" wide x 14 3/8" deep x 8 3/4" high
Table: 43" wide x 23" deep x 29 3/4" high
Circa 1890
The name of Paillard is listed among the giants of Swiss music box manufactory. Known for its mechanical innovations, the company was instrumental in the development of advanced musical boxes in the 19th century. They were also one of the largest family businesses to be involved in the making of music boxes and were a dominant supplier in Europe. Founded in 1814 by Moises Paillard, the company began by making musical box movements, and was soon involved in all aspects of production. By the 1860s, Amédée Paillard had designed and patented a changeable cylinder box and in 1870, patented a famous and rare revolver, multi-cylinder music box. Interchangeable cylinder music boxes were among the costlier models because of the level of craftsmanship and time that went into their construction. In 1875, Paillard built the first musical box factory and the company introduced what was called a sublime harmonie, a giant step forward in the improvement of harmony and volume.
In 1894, the company ceased production of music boxes, but, following acquisition of the Thorens Company (the two families were joined by marriage) and a merger with the Bol Company, started producing phonographs, gramophones, clockwork motors and typewriters. Today, the company manufactures Bolex cinema cameras and Hermes typewriters.
Reference:
Music Boxes: The Collector's Guide to Selecting, Restoring and Enjoying New and Vintage Music Boxes, 1993, Gilbert Bahl
The History of the Musical Box and of Mechanical Music, 1955, Alfred Chapuis
Musical Automata: Catalogue of the National Museum from Musical Clock to Street Organ, 1994, J.J.L. Haspels
Music Box: 34 5/8" wide x 14 3/8" deep x 8 3/4" high
Table: 43" wide x 23" deep x 29 3/4" high
Circa 1890
The name of Paillard is listed among the giants of Swiss music box manufactory. Known for its mechanical innovations, the company was instrumental in the development of advanced musical boxes in the 19th century. They were also one of the largest family businesses to be involved in the making of music boxes and were a dominant supplier in Europe. Founded in 1814 by Moises Paillard, the company began by making musical box movements, and was soon involved in all aspects of production. By the 1860s, Amédée Paillard had designed and patented a changeable cylinder box and in 1870, patented a famous and rare revolver, multi-cylinder music box. Interchangeable cylinder music boxes were among the costlier models because of the level of craftsmanship and time that went into their construction. In 1875, Paillard built the first musical box factory and the company introduced what was called a sublime harmonie, a giant step forward in the improvement of harmony and volume.
In 1894, the company ceased production of music boxes, but, following acquisition of the Thorens Company (the two families were joined by marriage) and a merger with the Bol Company, started producing phonographs, gramophones, clockwork motors and typewriters. Today, the company manufactures Bolex cinema cameras and Hermes typewriters.
Reference:
Music Boxes: The Collector's Guide to Selecting, Restoring and Enjoying New and Vintage Music Boxes, 1993, Gilbert Bahl
The History of the Musical Box and of Mechanical Music, 1955, Alfred Chapuis
Musical Automata: Catalogue of the National Museum from Musical Clock to Street Organ, 1994, J.J.L. Haspels
