22nd Jan, 2020 10:30 GMT/BST

Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools

 
  Lot 3075
 

3075

An Exceedingly Rare And Very Finely Restored 26-Inch Orphenion Model 194 Coin-In-Slot Upright...

An Exceedingly Rare And Very Finely Restored 26-Inch Orphenion Model 194 Coin-In-Slot Upright Disc Musical Box on Disc-Bin, one of under eight examples of this model known to exist today internationally, with top-wind massive single-spring motor with double cast brass Great Wheel, sprung double fly governor, single 1d. coin chute to right-hand side, silvered reeded movement plates with plain turn polished steel pillar, replacement spring marked EMO 1976, in six-bar cage drum, behind double pane glazed motor cover, with twin two-part combs, one inverse the other adverse mounted, full length star-wheel bar on reeded titled silvered cast bedplate, disc pressure bar with seven brass pulleys, on tensioned slatted pine backboard, in monumental cabinet with the arched glazed door completely surrounded with sound fret and red velvet backing, incised keystone moulding, flanked by a pair of tapering Corinthian capped columns, fluted centres and cup and cover bases, the top with central obelisk finial upon rectangular domed sound-hood and twin saucer urn finals, whole raised on captive gallery, multi-stepped cornice and standing on the matching disc bin with drop-front and gilt brass handle with scrolled tapering columned stepped plinth base, front panel with quarter-butterfly walnut inset field, walnut veneers throughout, with winding key, small handful of 1d. coin and main door key, with a library of 15 period Orphenion discs and 4 recut Orphenion discs - 36in. wide, 25in. deep, the height 113in. 
Condition: X  I/II  1
   


Footnote: With so very few of these models made and indeed still surviving, this offering provides an extremely rare and exciting chance for musical box connoisseurs and mechanical music collectors to finally see and hear the very cream of disc box design.

The extensive restoration was undertaken some years ago and in the passing of time, the usual 'freshness' of such work has now faded to a very pleasing colour and tone. Mechanically, it is perfect, with all running and acoustic elements very thoroughly examined to make sure that this is indeed present and correct inside and out.
Note the halved disc compartment behind the drop inside the bin - the weight of these larger discs would have been enough to damage the pine chassis if built in the usual manner.

Make sure you view this in detail - it is very unlikely that another will be on the market in the UK for some considerable time.

Sold for £4,500
Estimated at £6,000 - £9,000


 

Please refer to the Musical Box Condition Code Key for further details as to condition. This can be found at the top of the catalogue page.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools, 22nd Jan, 2020

Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools

View all lots in this sale

Sell one like this

If you've got a similar item to sell, complete the valuation form below and one of our experts will get in touch. 

YOUR DETAILS

ITEM DETAILS

Upload images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


CONFIRM & SUBMIT