Disc Music Box. Germany, Late 19th Century

A fine German disc-playing musical box dating from the late nineteenth century, housed in an architecturally conceived wooden case of distinguished design. The rectangular case is enriched with boldly moulded cornices to both the lid and plinth, turned corner balusters, and cast metal carrying handles. The central recessed panel of the lid is decorated with an elegant polychrome marquetry composition depicting singing birds amidst flowering foliage. The interior is fitted with an original spring-driven dual-cam disc-playing mechanism that performs music through interchangeable perforated steel discs. The movement bears serial number 99289. It has undergone a comprehensive professional overhaul and is in excellent working order, fully operational and ready for use. The musical box is accompanied by a set of fifteen original steel discs, each measuring 30 cm in diameter and featuring compositions by leading European composers. The discs are housed in a purpose-made wooden storage case fitted with carrying handles. Based on the construction of the mechanism and the design characteristics of the case, the musical box is tentatively associated with the Hamburg firm I. Ch. Detmering. This attribution remains subject to further archival research and comparison of the serial number with surviving factory records. Marks: Movement serial number 99289. Dimensions: Height 24 cm. Width 49 cm. Depth 37 cm. Disc diameter 30 cm. Condition: Very good condition. The movement has been professionally serviced and overhauled and remains in full working order. Provenance: Private collection.