Upright Music Box Kalliope

The music box, an automated instrument, came into prominence in the 19th century. The sounds were created when a series of pins or tabs placed upon a revolving cylinder impacted the tuned teeth of a hardened steel comb. Some of the more complex music boxes, usually vertical, have other added sources of sounds such as drums or bells.

Other very interesting mechanisms, which took advantage of pneumatic actuators, were also employed. The actuators caused bellows to open and close levers which caused valves to open and close. In turn, the valves activated a modified wind instrument or plucked the strings of a modified string instrument. Accordingly, the sound generated by each music box was unique.

When the music box was to be installed in a public place such as a tavern or restaurant it frequently was equipped with a coin slot so as to produce revenue for the owner. The motive power for these devices was usually hand crank wound springs which powered clock work mechanisms. Toward the end of the 1800’s most of these devices were available with interchangeable metal disks to permit changing tunes. The cases which housed music box mechanisms to be placed into service in public places were very well crafted to stand up to the heavy use to which they could be subjected. Frequently they were quite elaborate to attract the attention of the potential customer’s eye as well.

The particular music box we will be viewing in today’s video was manufactured in Leipzig, Germany circa 1903. It is coin operated and plays 20-1/2” steel disks striking a 153 tooth hardened steel comb. The 7’-3” case is a beautiful example of German craftsmanship, combining quality woods and architectural features.

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