Tracing the history of the remarkably wonderful antique music box

It can be breathtakingly beautiful. Oftentimes, there’s a decorative case that comes with it, making it such a joy to touch and behold.

An antique music box is an awesome work of art whose attraction for some people remains strong to this day.  Few other things, after all, can infuse one’s personal space with a touch of understated elegance and a wonderful melody the way an antique music box does.

An antique music box will also most likely hold a piece of history, making it a truly sound investment. Whether you want to add them to your personal collection, or give as gifts to people dear to you, you can never go wrong with an antique music box.  As with other antique finds, each premium quality music box embodies the soul of the artist who crafted it.

Throughout the 19^th century, a large chunk of musical box production was concentrated in Switzerland, noted for its excellent watch-making tradition. The words “musical box” may also refer to clockwork devices.

Custom made music boxes were  sought by noble clients back in the 19^th century. Among the producers of quality cylinder music boxes was the Swiss firm of Nicole Freres. Its custom made music box features elegantly awesome casework with ivory inlaid into ebony.

Jérémie Recordon and Samuel Junod marked a first when they opened the first music box factory in 1815. Other manufacturers hailed from Bohemia and Germany. By the latter part of the 19^th century, European makers had already set up factories in the United States.