Antique M.F. Mermod Freres Swiss 8 Air Cylinder Music Box No. 26007 Breitinger & Kunz Philadelphia
Here have an antique late 19th century Swiss cylinder music box, marked M.F. 1840 / Marque de Fabrique with serial number 26007 visible on both the tune card and mechanism. The M.F. shield for Mermod Frères, Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. The “1840” appears to be part of the maker/trademark mark, not necessarily the manufacture date. Based on the tune list, this should date somewhere between 1875-1890s. The retailer/importer inscription reads Breitinger & Kunz, 37 & 39 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, a known Philadelphia clock/watch/music box dealer active in the late 19th century.
Features a wood case with dark faux-grain / ebonized finish, hinged lid, decorative key escutcheon, original illustrated paper tune card with cherub and musical instrument design, glass dust cover over the cylinder mechanism, brass cylinder, steel comb, side crank/winding area, and control levers.
Heavy, weights 16lbs 13oz
Approx. Dimensions: 16 5/8"L x 8 3/8"W x 5 3/8"
Label text I can make out (please forgive any errors, old script is tough for me)
8 Airs. PROGRAMME 4 1/2 Pouces
Breitinger & Kunz
37 & 39 N. 9th St.
Philadelphia
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Il Trovatore — “Ai nostri monti” — Verdi
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Faust — Choeur — Gounod
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Tannhäuser — March — Wagner
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Carmen — Song of the Toreadors — Bizet
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Lucia — Duo — Donizetti
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Maritana — “Scenes that are Brightest” — Wallace
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Lucrezia Borgia — “La pescatore” / possibly “La pescatora” — Donizetti
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William Tell — Tyrolienne — Rossini
M.F. 1840
Marque de Fabrique
No. 26007
*Condition*
Tested and works! Sounds beautiful. Visually, good condition but shows age and use throughout, including surface scratches, finish wear, scuffs, edge/corner wear, small chips/losses, wear to the lid decoration, cracks/separations visible near the lid/right side, patina/tarnish to metal components, some dust/oxidation to the mechanism, toning/staining/wear to the tune card, and no key present.
cutlampbox
