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

The Charles X gold, enamel and split-seed pearl oiseau chantant and musical portrait box.
Sold for £181,250 inc. premium
The Charles X gold, enamel and split-seed pearl oiseau chantant and musical portrait box, made most probably as a direct ...
An early gilt brass and pictorial enamel singing bird box, by Jacques Bruguier, circa 1835,
Sold for £18,750 inc. premium
An early gilt brass and pictorial enamel singing bird box, by Jacques Bruguier, circa 1835,
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 large chamber barrel organ-secretaire á abuntant with timepiece, by Joh. Palven, Italian, circa 1830,
Sold for £21,250 inc. premium
A large chamber barrel organ-secrétaire à abattant with timepiece, by Joh. Palven, Italian, circa 1830,

Contacts

Mechanical Music (UK) Bonhams
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