Appraisal Music Box Appraisal

Swiss Wooden Music Box playing 'Mary Had A Little Lamb' and 'Happy Birthday To You'

This item is a vintage Music Box, housed within a rectangular wooden casing. The wood appears to be a light-toned hardwood, possibly maple or beech, with a clear, likely shellac or varnish finish. The corners show signs of dovetailed or finger-joint construction, indicative of solid craftsmanship. The overall dimensions appear to be small, suggesting a tabletop or dresser-top piece, perhaps 6-8 inches in length. Inside the hinged lid, there is a decorative paper label with a cream-colored background, intricate red and green floral and musical instrument motifs (including a guitar, trumpet, and chalice-like object) arranged in a border pattern featuring repeating cross shapes. The label prominently displays two song titles: "MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB" and "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU," along with the clear manufacturing detail "Made in Switzerland." There is a small handwritten number "A.233" near the top right of the label, possibly an internal production or model number. The label exhibits some wear, including a tear or scuff mark to the right of the song titles. The interior of the music box features a clear glass panel that protects the intricate brass and metal mechanism beneath. This mechanism includes a large cylindrical barrel with pins (the 'comb' of the music box is visible below it), an apparent winding key or crank mechanism on the side (not fully visible), and various gears and levers. The metal components show a natural patina consistent with age, suggesting brass or a similar alloy, without obvious signs of rust or severe corrosion. The box itself shows minor wear, scuffs, and darkening of the wood in certain areas, likely from handling and age. There is a small, dark-colored knob or pull on the front of the box, presumably for opening or securing the lid. The presence of the 'Made in Switzerland' marking, coupled with the style of the label and the apparent age of the materials, places its estimated manufacture in the mid-20th century, likely between the 1940s and 1960s. The craftsmanship, particularly the precision of the musical mechanism, points to the reputable Swiss watch and music box industry, known for its quality and durability.