Vintage circa 1930s Fred Zimbalist Taj Mahal Music Box Swiss Thorens Movement Numbered Handmade Figural Brass Box.
A rare and highly sought-after vintage Fred Zimbalist Taj Mahal music box, featuring a Swiss Thorens movement and beautifully handcrafted in India. This iconic figural music box is prized by collectors for its exceptional artistry, substantial weight, and striking architectural form inspired by the Taj Mahal.
Crafted between the 1920s and 1950s, each Zimbalist music box was individually handmade, ensuring that no two pieces are alike. This example is numbered (#29) and showcases all the hallmarks of Zimbalist's finest work: chased and engraved metal, brass and bronze casting, and a lustrous nickel-silver plated finish. A superb piece for enthusiasts of vintage music boxes, Thorens Swiss mechanisms, and Fred Zimbalist creations.
The interior lid features hand-painted birds and trees, adding to its charm and uniqueness. The music box plays "Always Together" on a genuine Swiss Thorens movement, known worldwide for its rich, melodious sound and mechanical reliability. The box plays when the lid is opened and stops when it closes, just as it should.
This is an outstanding example of a large, heavy, and increasingly rare figural music box"”a centerpiece for any collection of mechanical music, decorative arts, or exotic architectural objets d'art.
Features
* Maker: Fred Zimbalist
* Form: Figural Taj Mahal dome music box / trinket box
* Origin: Handmade in India
* Movement: Swiss Thorens
* Tune: Always Together
* Numbered: Yes "” #29
* Materials: Chased and engraved brass & bronze with nickel-silver plated finish
* Interior: Hand-painted birds and trees
* Includes: Original felt bottom and documentation/pamphlet
* Weight: Approx. 8 lbs
* Dimensions: 9.5" tall × 7.75" square base
Condition
* Very nice working condition.
* Winds 5–6 turns and plays properly.
* Plays on opening the lid; stops when closed.
* General vintage wear, light tarnish, and patina consistent with age.
* Please see photos for detailed condition.
Why Collectors Value This Piece
* Rare Fred Zimbalist Taj Mahal model"”large and difficult to find.
* Features Swiss Thorens movement, a gold standard in mechanical music.
* Authentic handmade construction; each piece is one-of-a-kind.
* Highly desirable by collectors of:vintage music boxes
* Thorens movements
* Fred Zimbalist works
* architectural figural objets
* early 20th-century decorative arts.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: good working condition

Origin:
Switzerland

Materials & Techniques:
Metal

International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; good working condition