Charles Paillard was renown for music boxes and made great advancements in cylinder music box quality. He is credited with introducing the Sublime Harmonie. For years, music box makers searched unsuccessfully for a way to increase the volume of their music boxes without creating a harsh, tinny sound. In 1874, Paillard invented a way to do just that with the Sublime Harmonie, an invention that called for the use of two or more combs of equal scale, each tuned alike or with a slight intentional dissonance in order to provide a louder volume without harshness. Reference: M S Rau Antiques.
Paillard was also a retailer with outlets including New York.
Revolver music box in a case of rosewood with tulipwood crossbanding and stringing of sycamore. U.S. Patent No. 105972 August 2nd 1870. Four cylinders are mounted on a revolving frame, each thirteen inches long and playing six airs listed on the original programme card.
1870 (made)
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
A Paillard Vaucher Fils mandolin cylinder music box Swiss, late 19th century, the 33cm cylinder playing eight airs as listed on tune sheet, in walnut veneered case with marquetry inlaid lid. 22 ins (56cm) wide
Sold for £ 937 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2016
A Paillard interchangable cylinder musical box, No. 45141, with 5 cylinders playing seven airs each,tune indicator, tune sheet, slotted cylinders, crossbanded inlaid and transfer decorated case and matching table with cylinder storage drawer and turned ebonised legs -28½in. (72.5cm) wide overall, the cylinders 9in. (23cm) each
Sold for GBP 4,200 at Christie’s in 2005
Continental Inlaid Wood Music Box Retailed by Paillard, New York Playing eight airs, 9-inch cylinder. Height 6 3/4 inches, width 21 inches, depth 9 inches.
Sold for $437 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2018
Late 19th century Paillard cylinder music box walnut cabinet comes with three 18.5” cylinders. This size cylinder player is incredibbly rare, exhibited in many museums, but rarely ever seen for sale. In very nice playing condition. 31,0 x 49,0 x 21,0 in.
Sold for CHF 13,000 at Swiss Auction Company in 2019
Paillard New York Retailer’s Mark
