July 22nd 2017 Premier Fine & Decorative Art & Watches
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/22/2017
From the Collection of Rita Ford Music Boxes. This Duplex Comb Regina 15-1/2" disc Music Box is contained in the rare style #10 mahogany case. The case features carved and other assorted moldings, turned columns and scrollwork carved into the lid. The Regina Music Box Company located in Rahway, NJ was started by one of the two founding Partners of the Polyphon Music Box Company of Leipzig, Germany. This is significant in that the two companies made their instruments to the same specs allowing the discs to be interchangeable between Polyphon and Regina instruments. This particular Regina is quite interesting because although the bedplate was clearly cast with "Regina" in bold block lettering. The bedplate is similar in shape and style to the bedplates found on the earlier Polyphons. It would appear that this Regina bedplate was cast with the equipment brought over from the Polyphon factory and modified. The motor assembly is also of an earlier type than found on most Regina Disc Music Boxes however it is equipped with an automatic stop/start mechanism. The duplex movement has the typical big beautiful Regina tone accomplished by the "Sublime Harmony" arrangement. 156 teeth on the two combs create the superior tone. The Regina Company offered music box cabinets to contain additional discs. At the time of the restoration of this piece an original Regina Tune Sheet catalogue was found inside the disc cabinet with a May 1896 printing date which matches the probable date of manufacture of this instrument. This is a beautiful example of a fairly rare earlier style Regina Disc Music Box. This Regina Music Box is offered on its original base cabinet with 20 discs and the original framed Regina Tune List. It has recently been restored and is in beautiful condition, having no comb teeth previously broken or repaired.
Tune List:
1. Song on the Evening Star
2. Tankawa, Indian Characteristic Two-Step (Continuous)
3. Father's Got a Job
4. Treasure Waltz - Strauss
5. How I Love my Lu
6. Finsterwalder Sangermarsch
7. Monastery Bells (Christmas)
8. Dengoza Maxixe Nazareth (Continuous)
9. Costa Diva, Aria from "Norma"
10. Jesus, Lover of my Soul
11. Rastus on Parade
12. Tell me Pretty Maiden
13. The Honeymoon March
14. Youthful Dreams, Waltz
15. A Runaway Girl
16. II Trovatore
17. The Land of Rest
18. Cavalierre Rusticana
19. A Nest of Finches
20. Goodbye Sweet Day
Condition: (Excellent).
Item Dimensions: Music Box: 22-1/2" x 20-1/4" x 14".