Bidspirit auction | Antique Cylinder Music Box with

Antique Cylinder Music Box with Three-Figure Automaton - Large antique cylinder music box featuring a mechanical movement with an integrated automaton mechanism. The interior contains a brass cylinder designed to play eight musical selections, indicated by a lyre-shaped brass selector with a scale numbered 1 through 8. The movement is accompanied by six polished bells (bells have been replaced) and three hand-painted automaton figures positioned to strike the bells during operation. The figures include a central monkey dressed in a red and green embroidered waistcoat, flanked by two human figures wearing peaked yellow hats and colorful tunics. Small butterfly accents are mounted on the outer bells. The interior is protected by a hinged glass cover. The wooden case is finished with crossbanded veneers and a lid featuring marquetry inlay of musical instruments and floral sprays. The sides are fitted with ornate brass handles featuring grotesque mask motifs, and the front has a central oval brass relief plaque. 11” H x 27” W x 13 1/2” D.