Wood, brass, iron etc.
Leipzig, circa 1895
Veneered wooden box with musical mechanism marked ‘POLYPHON’, the inside of the lid with a print depicting musical putti
Serial number 67324
Spring-driven movement (running) with crank for winding,
42 perforated discs including songs by Wagner and others
Iron cast stand to store the discs
Dimensions: 25 x 53.5 x 46 cm; diameter of discs: 39.5 cm
Ready to play; beautiful nostalgic sound
A classic collector's item for enthusiasts of traditional technology

This rare music box or automaton was manufactured by the Polyphon Musikwerke in Leipzig, Germany, founded by Gustav Brachhausen and Paul Rießner. The latter worked for the manufactory of the Brothers Lochmann, whose founder Paul Lochmann invented the perforated discs in 1886.

To ‘preserve’ music in a technical way and to be able to recall it at any time, has been the dream of music lovers for centuries. Music boxes of this kind were a milestone in music history. The present music box is ready for use and features a beautiful nostalgic sound. The 42 discs play pieces by Wagner, popular songs, waltzes and marches etc. They can be stored in a decorative iron cast stand.

The Polyphon shows signs of age and wear. The box with worm damage (inactive), veneer damage and traces of corrosion. One foot and a piece of molding is missing. Two teeth are broken. The stand shows corrosion. The discs show corrosion. Some are warped and three with material loss. The box measures 25 x 53.5 x 46 cm and the diameter of the discs is 39.5 cm. (tfa)

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.