History

A Century Old Sound, Recaptured

Originally amusements for royalty and the elite, musical boxes were the only source of recorded music available to music lovers of the 19th century. By the mid century they could be found in many households in Europe and the United States. Playing exquisitely arranged programs of four to 12 tunes, these magical instruments were treasured household possessions, the highlight of many intimate dinner parties and soirées.

Although supplanted by the player piano and Victrola in the 20th century, the cylinder musical box remains one of the most intimate and enchanting instruments in the history of mechanical music.