Brief history of Musical Boxes

From clocks, watches, jewellery boxes, souvenirs and many more items, the charming musical tunes of a Musical Box (Music Box in US) is a ubiquitous item often heard but not seen. By definition, a musical box is a mechanical instrument that produces sound by plucking tuned metal prongs or teeth with a rotating cylinder or disc.

Here’s a brief history of the Musical Box…

Origins in the 18th Century

Music boxes evolved from carillons (a pitched percussion instrument that is played with a keyboard and consists of at least 23 bells) and automata (moving mechanical device made in the form of a person) in the late 18th century. These early mechanical devices were developed in Switzerland by clockmakers who incorporated musical mechanisms into watches and small objects.

Swiss watchmaker Antoine Favre is credited with creating one of the first true musical boxes around 1796, using a pinned cylinder to pluck the tuned teeth of a metal comb.

Popularity in the 19th Century

By the 19th century, music boxes had grown in popularity and complexity. Larger models were developed, capable of playing longer and more complex tunes, with more combs and teeth for a richer sound. During the Victorian era, musical boxes became a luxury item, often housed in intricately crafted wooden boxes or other decorative objects. The Swiss industry dominated the market during this period.

Disc Music Boxes of the late 1800s

In the late 1800s, disc musical boxes were introduced. Unlike cylinder musical boxes, disc music boxes used interchangeable metal discs with punched holes to produce different tunes. This allowed for greater variety in the music that could be played. Companies like Polyphon and Regina became famous for manufacturing disc musical boxes.

20th Century decline and legacy

By the early 20th century, the popularity of musical boxes declined with the advent of the phonograph and other recording technologies, which offered greater versatility in music playback. Despite this, musical boxes remained cherished as decorative items and novelties, often given as gifts or keepsakes.

Musical Boxes today

Today, musical boxes are still produced, often as collectible items or gifts, and they continue to evoke nostalgia with their chiming mechanical tunes. Swiss maker Reuge continue making musical movements today. The musical box is a fascinating blend of craftsmanship, mechanics, and music, preserving its place in history as both an artistic and functional invention.