Ranz des vaches
Did you know that the ‘ranz des vaches’ that is found on some cylinder musical boxes is not a single tune but a genre of tunes? These airs are thought
Mystery musical box
This is an edited version of the Registrar’s response to a recent query regarding an attractive and interesting musical box: ‘I have referred [your enquiry] on to several members of
Christopher Proudfoot’s talk for the Musical Box Society
Christopher opened his fascinating talk by confessing he had always declined invitations to recount his stories as a Christies auctioneer. Members were therefore privileged to hear about the rules of
Bowes museum home of the Silver Swan
The Silver Swan is an automaton dating from the 18th century and now housed in the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Teesdale, County Durham, England.
Nicole Freres ‘mandoline expression’ 6-cylinder interchangeable table musical box
Exceptionally fine quality rosewood musical box inlaid with Boulle work. Brass and pewter lines frame the borders. Having ormolu handles to the sides. The cabinet stands on a matching rosewood table
Learning to restore a three-bell musical box
Member’s account of musical box society helping him learn the art of restoring a musical box.
The wonderful world of Automata
Victorian automata including the man in the moon, organ grinder, and spinning lady
My Favourite Polyphon
I have lots of musical instruments recorded and uploaded to my Youtube channel. Here’s one of My Favourites