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.
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)
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