Dresser Shaped Music Jewelry Box with Mirror Appraisal
Category: Music Box
Description
This is a dresser-shaped music jewelry box crafted entirely from wood. It features a warm, medium-brown finish, though the exact wood type is not immediately clear. The box is rectangular with a gently curved front and sits on four short, curved cabriole style legs. Its dimensions are approximately 19 inches in width, 7 inches in depth, and 9 inches in height. The front is designed to mimic a chest of drawers, with three small drawers on the left, two central cabinet doors, and three small drawers on the right. Each drawer and cabinet has ornate, dark metal pull handles. Above the main body is an attached, free-standing mirror with a decorative, arched wooden frame supported by two posts topped with small finials. The mirror itself appears clear with no visible major damage. The music box is wind-up operated and plays the tune "Love Story". The surface of the box exhibits multiple noticeable scratches and areas where the finish has worn away, indicating significant age and use. The overall patina suggests an age of around 80 years, placing it likely in the mid-20th century. While no manufacturer's marks or signatures are discernible from the image, the construction appears standard for a mass-produced item of its era. The carving details on the central cabinet doors are relatively simple but add a decorative touch. The condition issues, particularly the numerous scratches and finish wear, are significant and would impact its value.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the images of this dresser-shaped music jewelry box. It appears to be a mid-20th-century, likely mass-produced item, consistent with the owner's estimate of approximately 80 years old. The construction and styling are typical of musical jewelry boxes from that era. The primary material is wood, with a medium-brown finish and dark metal pull handles. The integrated mirror, "Love Story" music box, and dresser facade are all common features for this type of item. The condition is a significant factor impacting value. The images clearly show multiple noticeable scratches and areas of finish wear throughout the surfaces, indicating significant age and use. While the mirror appears intact, the overall aesthetic is diminished by the surface imperfections. Authenticity for this type of item is primarily based on construction methods and materials consistent with the stated age, which appear to be present. However, without a physical examination, it's impossible to confirm the exact wood type, the condition of the music box mechanism beyond it playing, or the presence of any hidden damage or repairs. Provenance documentation, such as original purchase records or manufacturing marks, would further aid in authentication but are not discernible from the images. Market demand for vintage musical jewelry boxes exists, but the value is highly dependent on condition, rarity, and specific features. This piece, while charming in its design and musical function, is not particularly rare or high-end. Comparable items in better condition typically fetch higher prices. However, the extensive surface wear on this example substantially lowers its market appeal and intrinsic value. Demand is generally moderate for items in this condition. Beyond an in-person examination to confirm the condition of the music box, the integrity of the wood, and the absence of less obvious defects, further authentication would require any potential manufacturer's marks (not visible) or historical documentation connecting the piece to a specific maker or time period. For this piece, given the typical production methods of the era and its apparent condition issues, significant research or testing is generally not warranted for valuation purposes at this level.
Appraisal Value
$30-50