
Vintage Dutch Wooden Windmill Souvenir Music Box
This is a decorative wooden model of a traditional Dutch smock windmill, likely serving as a musical box. Constructed primarily from light-colored natural wood or plywood, the piece features a hexagonal base with a tiered gallery walkway. The gallery is detailed with wooden posts connected by a small brass-toned metal chain, adding a refined textural element. The sails (blades) are intricately designed with a lattice-style framework and solid wind boards, held together by a central hub with visible metallic fasteners. Its aesthetic is characteristic of hand-assembled souvenirs produced in the mid-20th century. Based on the 1973 acquisition in Volendam, the item showcases typical Dutch craftsmanship of that era, intended for the tourist market. The wood exhibits a warm, aged patina with no significant structural damage or signs of repair. Noteworthy is a small circular opening on the lower level, which likely houses the winding mechanism or provides a sound port for an internal music movement. The overall construction displays precision joinery, particularly in the tapering of the tower and the symmetry of the four sails. Despite the lack of maker's marks, it is a quintessential representation of Dutch folk-style wooden collectibles.
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Estimated Value
$45.00 - $75.00
Basic Information
Category
Vintage Souvenirs / Folk Art / Music Boxes
Appraised On
January 25, 2026
Estimated Value
$45.00 - $75.00
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
Purchased this windmill in a shop in Volendam, The Netherlands in 1973. It has no visible markings.
Item Description
This is a decorative wooden model of a traditional Dutch smock windmill, likely serving as a musical box. Constructed primarily from light-colored natural wood or plywood, the piece features a hexagonal base with a tiered gallery walkway. The gallery is detailed with wooden posts connected by a small brass-toned metal chain, adding a refined textural element. The sails (blades) are intricately designed with a lattice-style framework and solid wind boards, held together by a central hub with visible metallic fasteners. Its aesthetic is characteristic of hand-assembled souvenirs produced in the mid-20th century. Based on the 1973 acquisition in Volendam, the item showcases typical Dutch craftsmanship of that era, intended for the tourist market. The wood exhibits a warm, aged patina with no significant structural damage or signs of repair. Noteworthy is a small circular opening on the lower level, which likely houses the winding mechanism or provides a sound port for an internal music movement. The overall construction displays precision joinery, particularly in the tapering of the tower and the symmetry of the four sails. Despite the lack of maker's marks, it is a quintessential representation of Dutch folk-style wooden collectibles.
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