Vintage musical boxes hold an enchanting allure, blending art, craftsmanship, and sound. Many have fetched astonishing prices at auctions due to their intricate designs and rarity. These exquisite pieces often feature delicate automaton movements or melodies from a bygone era. Each box tells a story, captivating collectors with its historical significance. Let’s explore some of the most expensive vintage musical boxes ever auctioned.
Mermod Frères Cylinder Music Box
Mermod Frères is renowned for their high-quality cylinder music boxes. This particular piece plays multiple tunes flawlessly. Its precise construction and tonal clarity set it apart. At auction, it fetched a substantial $260,000. The Mermod Frères name is synonymous with excellence in music box design.
Charles Bruguier Oiseau Chantant Singing Bird Box
The Charles Bruguier Oiseau Chantant Singing Bird Box is a masterpiece of mechanical ingenuity. This exquisite box features a lifelike bird that sings and moves its beak in time with the melody. Its intricate details make it highly sought after by collectors. This piece fetched an impressive $210,000 at auction. Its vibrant colors and precise movements are a true testament to Bruguier’s skill.
Nicole Frères Interchangeable Cylinder Music Box
The Nicole Frères Interchangeable Cylinder Music Box is known for its ability to play a variety of tunes. Its design allows for different cylinders to be swapped out, offering a range of melodies. The quality of sound it produces is clear and vibrant. It was auctioned for $220,000. Its versatility and superb craftsmanship make it highly desirable.
Bontems Singing Bird Automaton Box
The Bontems Singing Bird Automaton Box is a classic example of mechanical artistry. This piece features a small bird that sings and moves its head in sync with the melody. Its delicate and lifelike movements captured the attention of collectors, selling for $110,000 at auction. The box’s beauty and craftsmanship make it a timeless treasure.
Troll & Baker Co. Piccolo Music Box
The Troll & Baker Co. Piccolo Music Box is an exquisite example of precision engineering. It produces high-pitched, delicate melodies that resonate with clarity and charm. The piccolo mechanism creates a distinct and rare sound, setting it apart from other music boxes. This box sold for $150,000 at auction, admired for its craftsmanship and unique musical output. Collectors value its rarity and pristine condition.
Bontems Hummingbird Clock
The Bontems Hummingbird Clock is a stunning combination of timekeeping and intricate automaton craftsmanship. It features a lifelike hummingbird that flutters and moves its beak in synchronization with the clock’s chimes. The precision of the bird’s movements is mesmerizing, making it a rare and valuable piece. This clock fetched $140,000 at auction. Collectors admire its mechanical complexity and the blend of function and beauty in this unique creation.
Mermod Music Box (Swiss, 1895)
The Mermod Music Box from 1895 is a beautifully crafted Swiss piece, known for its exceptional sound quality and intricate design. It features a large cylinder that plays multiple tunes with impressive clarity. The craftsmanship of this music box reflects the precision and elegance typical of Mermod’s work. At auction, it sold for $125,000. Its historical significance and flawless musical performance make it a prized possession among collectors.
Grande Format Cylinder Musical Box by Nicole Frères
The Grande Format Cylinder Musical Box by Nicole Frères is a magnificent piece of Swiss craftsmanship. Known for its large cylinder, this music box plays a wide selection of melodies with exceptional clarity and precision. The intricate mechanism is housed in a beautifully crafted wooden case, showcasing the artistry of the period. This masterpiece sold for $180,000 at auction. Its grand size and superior sound quality make it one of the most sought-after Nicole Frères creations among collectors.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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