Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is a versatile metal making it useful in both musical movements and as a container in novelty music boxes. Although it has a gold appearance it can also be gilded to give it that extra sheen. Enameling is also a decorative technique which can be used in the manufacture of music boxes and other items.
Below are some examples and price guides of brass music boxes including a Swiss gilt brass mechanical bird cage and a singing bird box automaton.
A SWISS GILT BRASS MECHANICAL BIRD CAGE MUSIC BOX
The domed cage enclosing two singing birds, mounted on a wall bracket with lyre shaped support, 16cm wide, 16cm deep, 30cm high (6in wide, 6in deep, 11 1/2in high) 33cm high
Sold for £ 1,530 (US$ 1,810) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
Gold and Brass Musical Travel Alarm Clock, Bueche Girod, Van Cleef & Arpels
18 kt., mechanical, dia. ap. 29 mm., dial signed Bueche Girod, case signed Van Cleef & Arpels, New York, Palm Beach, movement unsigned. With signed box.
Sold for $1,500 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
SWISS REUGE SINGING BIRD MUSIC BOX AUTOMATON
Enamel & brass music box with decorative decals, with oval door swinging open to reveal a singing bird, hallmarked underneath.
Sold for US$3,000 at Gordon Fine Art Gallery LLC in 2022
Capodimonte ceramic Reuge music box with gilded brass jewelry box. Plays melody Edelweiss. Second half of the 20th century. Dimensions: 13 x 17 x 14 cm. In good condition.
Sold for €300 at Twents Veilinghuis in 2022
MUSIC BOX TIPLER CANE
This cane is hand carved wood, the shaft is brass with the original patina and the ferrule is brass over steel. The music is wound up on the side of the head. It is believed to be made in the Black Forest of Germany. There is a tube inside the shaft that holds liquor and there is room for five more tubes. The music plays when the liquor is being poured. The music box plays well. C. 1900. Condition: Dimensions: 35 – 1/2″ Long.
Sold for US$450 at Dan Morphy Auctions in 2022
