Zig-Zag Music Box with scenery

Zig-zag Music box with automated scenery

An automaton music box with a zig-zag comb in three parts and exposed controls.

Attributed to M. Fontaine who patented this device in Geneva circa 1810-1820.

8 + 7 + 7 groups of 5 teeth. This distribution tries to find a solution to parasitic vibrations caused by sympathy by the proximity of two blades of the same frequency, while the mufflers have not yet appeared.

Playing three bright & lively airs. The video below illustrates one of the three tunes, namely the Fin ch'han dal vino from W.A. Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
With a scene of blacksmiths at work in the front of the case, seven movements. Paintings are now undergoing restoration.

With old retailers label to underside. Also amongst partial handwritten label with aires, on reverse of the screwed lid "L. Spillner, Berlin 1870" is inscribed in pencil (what could be mark of an old restoration by this Berlin maker ?).

Collector and museum quality in perfect playing condition.

Height 3 3/4in (95 mm); width 11 1/4in (285 mm); depth 5 3/4in (145 mm)

fontaine zig zag automat 1

spieldose music box zig zag spillner berlin automate 2

fontaine zig zag automat 2

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Zig-zag Music box with automated scenery

Philippe CRASSE