Description

An attractive late 19th century Kalliope polyphon music box, manufactured in Leipzig, Germany. The piece is presented in a wooden case with a gilt-tone decorative plate to the lid. The underside of the lid features an original monochrome print depicting classical figures in a pastoral setting, a fine detail that survives in excellent condition.

The polyphon is in working order, producing a clear and resonant sound. It is accompanied by 12 authentic Kalliope discs, each measuring between 9¼ and 9⅜ inches in diameter, with titles including The Blue Danube, The Lost Chord, Abide With Me, and The Last Rose of Summer. As these discs are of the correct period and format, we suspect they accompanied the box since its early years and they remain in very good playing condition.

This is a well-preserved and highly decorative piece of mechanical music history, one which should appeal to to collectors of polyphons, automata, and Victorian decorative arts.

Condition report

Condition overall is very good. The case shows only minor surface wear consistent with age, with some small losses and light chipping around the lock plate. Inside, there is evidence of past lubrication, leaving darkened staining around the mechanism, though the movement itself operates smoothly.