A zither attachment, when referred to in music boxes, is a removable arm with a strip of paper, introduced around 1870 and now often decayed, that covers the comb and produces a reedy sound not unlike a comb covered with tissue paper.
A Paillard Vaucher Fils two-per-turn cylinder music box, Swiss, late 19th century, the 33cm cylinder playing sixteen airs, the comb (three teeth broken) with zither attachment in walnut veneered case with marquetry inlaid lid and front, and cast brass carrying handles at the sides. 26 ins (66cm) wide
Sold for £ 1,125 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2016
A SWISS BURR MAPLE AND EBONISED WOOD INTERCHANGEABLE-CYLINDER MUSIC BOX LATE 19TH CENTURY The case with brass handles and bone escutcheon playing one cylinder with six airs, and with two further interchangeable cylinders, with zither attachment 30 ½ in. (77.5 cm.) wide
Sold for GBP 2,250 at Christie’s in 2014
Inlaid music box, zither and bells in view, by music box plays 6 tunes, working condition, stop button is not functioning, all teeth are there. Cabinet size is 17.25″ by 11.25″, height is 8.5″. Some inlay missing. Henry Gautschi and sons, Philadelphia
Sold for $350 at Hudson Valley Auctioneers LLC Beacon NY in 2019
A Regina Corona Model 34 upright disc music box, automatic changer, twelve 27-inch discs, double comb mechanism with zither, serial number 46561, mahogany case, original retailer’s tag, the original lithograph placard inside the case.
Sold for $8,500 at Soulis Auctions in 2018
A Swiss Sublime Harmony Zither Cylinder Music Box, circa 1885 Marks: Sublime Harmony Zither, 46031 9-1/2 x 34-1/2 x 13 inches (24.1 x 87.6 x 33.0 cm) This exceptional music box features The Star Spangled Banner as one of the fourteen tunes on the brass cylinder. Housed in a lacquered mahogany case with music-themed boulle brass cartouches inlaid with exotic woods and mother-of-pearl is the double comb mechanism with zither feature. A hand-lettered paper label lists the fourteen tunes and serial number.
Sold for $1,700 at Heritage Auctions in 2018
Swiss Interchangeable Cylinder Music Box
Three cylinders with with six airs and a zither mounted comb on lyre shaped shaped brackets, 11″h x 28″w x 13″d with complementing mahogany stand, 21″h x 32″w x 17″d.
Sold for $2,250 at Alderfer Auction in 2017
