Swiss Music Boxes. For most of the 19th century, the bulk of music box production was concentrated in Switzerland, building upon a strong watchmaking tradition. The first music box factory was opened there in 1815 by Jérémie Recordon and Samuel Junod. Reference: Wikipedia.
Music boxes made in Switzerland are of excellent quality and renown throughout the world.
A SWISS PART EBONIZED AND INLAID WOOD MUSIC BOX ON STAND WITH SIX CYLINDERS 19th century
Sold for US$ 7,575 (£ 5,888) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2020
A SWISS ENAMELED GOLD MUSICAL AUTOMATON FOB-SEAL GENEVA, CIRCA 1840 oval base, the winding shaft set within an enamelled cagework aperture in flower-embossed surround, polished gold reeded base, the interior set with an automaton of a couple enjoying a romantic dalliance
Sold for GBP 10,000 at Christie’s in 2020
Swiss Walnut and Other Woods Cylinder Music Box Early 20th century Rectangular with hinged cover opening to cylinder playing ten tunes. Height 7 inches, length 23 1/2 inches. Provenance: Sotheby’s, New York, June 28, 1986, lot 165
Sold for $437 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
A Swiss music box in the shape of a mandolin. It was possibly made in Geneva
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A WALNUT MUSIC BOX, SWISS, 19TH CENTURY the 43cm cylinder playing twelve airs, accompanied by a drum and six saucer-shaped bells, each decorated with butterflies, birds and flowers, lever wind movement, contained in a rectangular-shaped walnut case inlaid with rosewood stringing, lid and front of case inlaid with musical trophies and a floral motif
Sold for 4,320 AUD at Sotheby’s in 2008
Cylinder musical box in a grained case, with lid inlaid with coloured woods and enamel, playing 12 airs on a two per turn cylinder. Tunes include pieces from ‘Norma’, Gamme No. 1317.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
