French music boxes are usually of high quality and come in many shapes and sizes. Although the cases may be of French origin, the movements may be Swiss.
Below are some examples and price guides to antique French music boxes including a French musical sewing box and a French automata music box.
A late 19th century French rosewood and marquetry inlaid and stained wood cylinder music box
by Paillard Vaucher et Fils
the rectangular case with musical trophy decoration to the lid, the brass cylinder numbered 1824 playing eight airs, the movement with single-spring motor and single-section comb with zither attachment within an ebonised interior under glass dust lid,
15cm high, 57cm wide, 22cm deep
Sold for £191.25 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
A FRENCH GOLD MUSICAL BOX
PARIS, STRUCK WITH THE PARISIAN STANDARD AND GUARANTEE MARKS FOR GOLD 1809-1819
rectangular box with rounded corners, the cover, sides and base set with panels of engine-turning within scrolling foliate sablé borders, the inside of the base fitted with a musical movement released by two levers on the front panel, with associated key
3½ in. (87 mm.) wide
Sold for GBP 5,000 at Christie’s in 2018
Musical box with automata; late 19th century.
Brass, bronze and carved wood.
French-Swiss machinery mounted on Spanish Alfonsino style furniture,
The machinery is in perfect condition, two combs are missing and there are faults on the rollers .
Electrified in later period.
In working order.
Measurements: 85 x 74 x 44 cm.
Sold for €3,950 at Setdart Auction House in 2022
1920, FRENCH: This phenomenal example of early gambling is patterned after the French table top versions that were portable and could be moved from location to location. This much larger version of those table top versions is built into a large oak cabinet. The horserace on top is of considerable manufacture and weight. Cast iron horses with original paint, cast brass gallery and chains to outline the race track. There is a crank handle on the side to wind the spring, and when released the horses race around the track to the added entertainment of an accompanying music box. There is a cup in the middle of the track with a posted sign for “bets”, so the intent of the game is well known.
Sold for US$9,000 at Dan Morphy Auctions in 2022
An ebony, tinted horn, ivory, brass and tortoiseshell marquetry sewing and music box, Napoleon III
the interior lined with orange velvet, with compartments and with bottles; a winding under the box; sold with a pin holder “Pins for brides/A. Renard-Benoit/new arrivals/Boulevard du Théatre/Caen”
Height 4¾in; width 11¾in; teacher 8⅔in
Sold for 4,410 EUR at Sotheby’s in 2021
