overall: music box: 3/4 in x 3 1/4 in; 1.905 cm x 8.255 cm
Object Name:
music box
Date made:
1830-1840
Description:
<p>This music box was made an undetermined maker, probably Switzerland, around 1830-1840. It is a musical snuff box, with 2 tunes. The music box has a segmented comb with 16 4-teeth sections. The cylinder is 2-15/32" long. The music box is activated by a key wound spring. Carved on the music box top:</p>
<p>HOTEL DES MONNAIES</p>
<p>Clever miniature portable devices, musical snuff boxes such as this one were called <i>carillons à musique</i>. Highly desired objects of status and crafted primarily in Switzerland, they influenced the development and popularity of all music box production in the 19th century. This musical snuff box was likely a souvenir from the Hôtel des Monnaies in Paris.</p>
