A fine mid-19th-century Swiss cylinder musical box by Nicole Frères of Geneva, one of the most highly regarded makers of mechanical music boxes of the period.

The brass movement is stamped “NICOLE FRERES A GENEVE” and features a large pinned brass cylinder playing against a finely toothed steel comb. The mechanism is spring driven and wound from the side using the original-style removable winding crank, which is accessed behind a hinged end panel.

Dating to approximately the 1850s–60s, the box is housed in a simple warm-toned wooden case with a hinged upper lid and smaller side access door.

The side panel also provides access to the three original operating controls, which regulate immediate stopping, stopping at the end of an air, and changing or repeating the melody.

The musical mechanism is in good working order, winding correctly and playing with a pleasing clear sound. The case is in good condition but with some wear consistent with approximately 170 years of age, while the brass cylinder and mechanism show natural oxidation and patination.

Measures approximately 52 x 13 x 17 cm / 20.5 x 5.1 x 6.7 inches.