$1,800
Rare Key-Wind Forte Piano Musical Box, No. 5059, playing six airs, with single chevron comb, bass teeth of the piano section on the right, treble on the left, brass bedplate and comb-washers, instant-stop, and plain polished case with red interior, hinged endflap and rosewood lid (reversed) with boxwood inlaid musical motif, wd. 17 1/2, cylinder 11 in. Note: At first sight a single-comb forte piano, a second inspection shows that the two combs have been carefully joined at the center of the chevron. In striving for the appearance of a single-piece comb, the maker has had to reverse the usual layout, resulting in bass teeth that fall on the right hand side, where the treble would be located in a conventional movement. Movement has been cleaned (although not recently) and plays well, with a soft tone in keeping with a movement of this date, and good forte - piano effects. There are no visible comb repairs, although there are marks of some old corrosion.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2008-08-23
