Cylinder Music Box by Ducommun Girod with Exposed Controls

Early and exceptional music box by Ducommun Girod with "exposed contols"

Ducommun Girod was one of the first manufacturers of music boxes early in the 19th century. He is known for his fine arrangements, and very refined made music boxes.

This music box plays 4 melodies as provided on the original melody card. The comb is made up of sections (19 sections of 4 teeth and 1 section of 5 teeth). Until about 1840 it was not possible to build a comb from 1 section.

The polished base plate bears the serial number (4981) (on the left under the comb) and the signature "Ducommun Girod" (also on the comb).

The case consists of plain fruitwood, which is typical for that period. it has a nice patina. at the bottom of the case we find the serial number.

On the original melody card, we find pieces from "la Muette de Portici" and "Guillaume Tell", among others.

The earliest music boxes may not be the most beautiful, but they are without doubt the rarest, and of the highest musical quality.