A Gilded Metal And Polychrome Enamel Music Box, Late 19th Century, Early 20th Century

Description
A music box in the shape of a concert grand piano, supported by three tapered legs in the Viennese style. The lid of the piano and the keyboard are hinged. Inside, there is a small compartment lined with red velvet. The lid, legs, and sides are adorned with intricate polychrome enamel painting, featuring gallant scenes and cherubs. Music box brand: Reuge. Melody: Melodia: Luigi Boccherini, Minuetto. String Quintet in E Major, Op. 11 No. 5, G. 275: III. In 1865 Charles Reuge, watchmaker from the Val-de-Travers, settles in Sainte-Croix and began making pocket watches with musical movements.  While many music box manufacturers went out of business afte rthe introduction of the phonograph around 1910, Reuge survived the transition, and today is the number one manufacturer of luxury music boxes, singing birds, and musical pocket watches.
 
Dimensions
HxLxD 3,35in x 3,54in x 5,31in

Provenance
Private collection

Conditions
Shortages and defects. Restorations. The music box mechanism is currently working but may require a technical check.