$23,000
Rare 20 3/4-inch "Drum" Regina Disc Musical Box, Style 63, No. 85312, with double-combs, in circular floor-standing "Rookwood" mahogany cabinet with Regina transfer in floral spray on lid interior, exterior depicting a courting couple in sylvan landscape, and sides decorated with painted bucolic vignettes, on slender serpentine legs with foliate gadrooned relief and square pad feet, ht. 31 1/2 x dia. 30 in., with fourteen original discs. Note: Musical box cases decorated in the manner of Rookwood pottery were a later addition to the Regina range alongside Venetian walnut, vernis martin and marquetry finishes, popular c. 1904-1906. Several models were advertised in the Rookwood style, although few appear to have been produced. Intended to harmonize with the lighter styles of the period, they represented the final luxurious flourishing of the American musical box market. The drum model is admired for its exceptional resonant qualities and for its rarity. Good original condition. Combs ar complete and movement does not appear to have been cleaned or overhauled. The case shows the usual craqelure associated with later Regina finished. There are a couple of surface scuffs and small pieces of missing ornament.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2008-08-23
