Mechanical Music

The Mechanical Music auctions are extremely diverse with sections including early key-wind cylinder musical boxes and the later disc versions; fine singing birds, phonographs and gramophones; iconic jukeboxes, barrel organs and pianos; important encoding machines, mechanical and electrical calculation devices; vintage amusement machines and pre-1940 wireless and television. This department aims to please those who seek either the perfect historical gift or to bring a collection into line with an appropriate addition.

The department holds four auctions annually for an international range of clients. We very much look forward to hearing from you, should you be new to this field or an established collector.

Highlights from past auctions

A rare Grand Format overture musical box, by Nicole Freres, circa 1862,
Sold for £28,750 inc. premium
A rare Grand Format overture musical box, by Nicole Freres, circa 1862,
A large Samuel Troll mandoline and bells-in-sight interchangeable cylinder muscial box on stand. Swiss, circa 1880
Sold for £16,250 inc. premium
A large Samuel Troll mandoline and bells-in-sight interchangeable cylinder muscial box on stand, Swiss, circa 1880,
A fine veri-gold, diamond and ruby embellished singing bird box by Rochet Freres, circa 1825,
Sold for £67,250 inc. premium
A very fine veri-gold, split seed-pearl, diamond and ruby embellished singing bird box by Rochat Frères, circa 1820,
A fine gold musical fob seal, with hidden erotic automaton, circa 1810, cushion enamel automaton late 19th century,
Sold for £10,000 inc. premium
A fine gold musical fob seal, with hidden erotic automaton, circa 1810, cushion enamel automaton late 19th century,

Contacts

Mechanical Music (UK) Bonhams
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