Disc Musical Box With Singing Birds. Germany, Hamburg. Late 19th Century

An exceptional late nineteenth-century disc musical box housed in an elaborately crafted wooden case, attributed to the Hamburg maker I. Ch. Detmering. This remarkable object represents a rare example of a high-grade German musical automaton of the Historicist period, combining precision mechanical engineering, refined cabinetmaking and sophisticated decorative arts. The case is fashioned from fine hardwoods and enriched with elegant marquetry adorning the lid, front panel and recessed mouldings. Its architectural composition is further enhanced by turned corner balusters, boldly projecting moulded cornices to both the lid and plinth, and cast gilt-bronze carrying handles with suspended ring pulls, emphasizing the object's prestigious character. Beneath the hinged lid is a large disc-operated musical movement fitted with a twin-comb mechanism, celebrated for its rich tonal quality, remarkable clarity and powerful resonance. The upper section incorporates an animated automaton featuring two singing birds that come to life while the music plays, transforming the instrument into a captivating mechanical performance and placing it among the finest European musical automata of the late nineteenth century. The movement bears the serial number 99289. Accompanying the musical box are fifteen original interchangeable steel music discs, each measuring 30 cm in diameter, housed in a purpose-made wooden storage case fitted with side carrying handles. The repertoire comprises celebrated compositions by leading European composers of the nineteenth century. The movement has undergone a comprehensive professional overhaul and is preserved in excellent working order, ensuring accurate performance across the complete set of discs. Owing to its rarity, outstanding state of preservation and refined craftsmanship, this musical box is of considerable importance to collectors of mechanical musical instruments, museums and distinguished collections of European decorative arts. Marks: Serial number of the movement: 99289. Dimensions: Height: 23 cm. Width: 49 cm. Depth: 37 cm. Music disc diameter: 30 cm. Condition: Very good condition. The movement has undergone a complete professional service and remains in full working order.