A large and important Sublime Harmony orchestral music box by George Baker, Geneva, circa 1895

A large and important Sublime Harmony orchestral music box, circa 1895
George Baker & Co (late G.Baker Troll & Co.), Geneva
Having five interchangeable cylinders playing 40 airs in total, with six bells and snare drum, speed adjuster, two comb dampers and levers for retracting the drum and bell hammers. The case inlaid with burr walnut veneers and boxwood stringing, cross-banded with rosewood and with parcel ebonised mouldings, on an integral table stand with central frieze drawer containing the spare cylinders, raised on ebonised cabriole supports.
117cm wide x 62cm deep x 102cm high

The two comb Sublime Harmony musical movement plays with a magnificent sound. The movement features an impressive array of orchestral elements and features a drum with 8 beaters and six graduated bells.

The musical movement also has an abundance of luxury features: a tune indicator, engraved with the maker’s name, together with a speed control, and two engraved zither bars over the combs. The bells and drum can be engaged and disengaged at will using the levers to the front of the movement. This magnificent music box was made in Geneva in circa 1895 by George Baker, and bears serial number 15290 as shown on the tunesheet and winding handle.

The cylinders are each individually numbered and correspond to the original tunesheet. The selection of music is impressive: cylinder one features a wealth of operatic tunes including Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Gounod's Faust and Bizet's Carmen; cylinder 2 plays popular tunes including Strauss's Gypsy Baron and 'Young Man' from Sullivan's Mikado; and the remaining cylinders include further airs from Gilbert & Sullivan, Delibes, Wagner and Offenbach. All of these are detailed on the original tunesheet fixed to the interior of the lid.

The sum is a magnificent and rare exhibition quality music box by an excellent maker and with a superb sound.

George Baker and Samuel Troll were well-known creators of music boxes who merged their independent companies in 1874 into G. Baker-Troll & Co.The partnership did not last. Nonetheless it was a very fruitful one and resulted in a range of music boxes of the utmost quality, featuring most skilfully crafted mechanisms of extraordinary sound quality combined with marvellous cabinets.

Condition Report

The case is generally good overall with only minor signs of age and use including a small veneer split to one side, general fine scratches, tiny dints, scuffing to the ebonising in places and cosmetic marks. No evidence of worm. Interior air sheet has some fading and foxing and tares to the top corners. The glass dust cover leather tab at fault. The movement winds, runs and cycles through airs. Starts and stops. Comb teeth all intact. Speed regulator functions. Dampers function.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.