Rare Bells and Automaton Cylinder Musical Box by Karrer

Description:

Rare Bells and Automaton Cylinder Musical Box by Karrer, playing six patriotic, American and other airs, including Star Spangled Banner, accompanied by six engine-turned bells, four with bird strikers, two played by a cross-legged monkey automaton with articulated head and arms, with three musical combs and one optional percussion comb, short central lyre-form zither engraved in banner S. Karrer, Manufacturer of Musical Boxes, Teufenthal, Switzerland, in pewter-strung ebony case with tulipwood banding, ormolu carrying handles, the lid with marine painting of a full-rigged clipper in storm, signed Capt. Elisha Jonas, 1876, the inside lid depicting the same ship in a still harbor (possibly Newport or Goat Island),wd. 34, cylinder 19 1/2 in., (four repaired tips in percussion comb, old tip repairs in musical combs),on an ebonized table.
Note: The unusual addition of a lid painting, the date of 1876, the maker's engraving on the zither, and the overall quality of the movement, suggest that this may have been a presentation box made on commission to celebrate America's centennial year.
Estimate $12,000-18,000

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