AN ANTIQUE GERMAN CARVED OAK SYMPHONIONAN ANTIQUE GERMAN CARVED OAK SYMPHONION MUSIC BOX, 1880...AN ANTIQUE GERMAN CARVED OAK SYMPHONION MUSIC BOX, 1880s, in a nicely carved Rococo Revival case of bombé rectangular form with a hinged lid centering a raised panel, enclosing an oval reserve of elongated "C" scrolls and corner shell pendants framing a dancing maiden and youth in 18th century attire, within a sloping border of bow ribbon tied musical trophy horns, bugles, and reed pipes amidst curling rocaille foliage partitioned by shaped convex cartouches, opening to a green velvet lined lid interior with gilt "Symphonian" above a circular silk reserve depicting a dandy youth in fashionable early 19th century attire, flirting with a shy maiden beauty in long gown seated on a stone garden balustrade, over an interior fitted with a mechanism of cut steel and brushed brass combs stamped "SCHUTZ-MARKE / MADE IN," and "TRADE-MARK / GERMANY," flanking a circular logo of a lyre entwined with ribbon inscribed "SYMPHONION," beneath a hinged arm and mounted on a gold painted stippled metal plaque, flanked on exterior by a brass start/stop knob opposite a removable winding hand crank and enclosed on each by cartouches of blossoming curling foliage bordered by serpentine panels of stylized rocaille and shells ending in floral sprays, flanking a similarly carved front centering a seated cherub playing his lute and raised on short cabochon detailed sinuous legs terminating in scrolled feet, includes twelve period metal music discs. Height: 11 3/4" Width: 20 1/4" Depth: 16" Note: A virtually identical Symphonion was sold on Sept. 25, 2021 by Fontaine's Auction Gallery for $2,100. Provenance: Art collection of the late Charles and Geri L. Hooks, owners of Houston’s oldest and most prestigious art gallery, Hooks-Epstein Galleries.
Condition:
The carved oak box is in good condition for antique music boxes of this age, use, and materials including but not limited to normal surface buildup, minor nicks, small scratches, a few losses, old repairs, filled age shrinkage cracks, and expected light wear. The mechanism has small patches of surface oxidation/rust, small old scratches, and dust buildup in crevices. The metal music discs have been used and exhibit expected wear with marks, scratches, dings, bent areas, and worn printed titles. While Simpson Galleries does not guarantee any music mechanism, this Symphonion was carefully wound and played the "Auld Lang Syne" disc once. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."
