Details
Image(s)
TitleSnuff Box with Fan-Type Comb Movement
CreatorPiguet & Meylan
PlaceGeneva (Switzerland)
Year ca. 1820
Object number0090
Object categorymechanical instruments with playing comb, music boxes
Object namemusic box with cylinder
DescriptionThe fan-comb playing work system has a very low height, which allowed one to manufacture a very flat snuffbox. Piguet and Meylan made many musical movements that were ultra-slim, as shown here. The melody is programmed on a disc, which is also known as 'sur plateau'. The teeth of the playing comb are attached to both sides of a thin plate ('platine') in a fan around the programming disc. When the disc starts spinning, the teeth are plucked and the music sounds.
Accompanying textsThis musical movement contains two melodies, as the round, flat disc has a music programme on both sides.
In addition to a space for snuff, other mechanics used to be built into snuff boxes. These boxes, usually made of luxurious materials, often contained watches, an automaton scene or sometimes a bird. At the beginning of the 19th century, the musical mechanism with playing comb was added. Geneva was the centre of production of high-end watches, jewellery and related goods in the late 18th and early 18th centuries.
In addition to a space for snuff, other mechanics used to be built into snuff boxes. These boxes, usually made of luxurious materials, often contained watches, an automaton scene or sometimes a bird. At the beginning of the 19th century, the musical mechanism with playing comb was added. Geneva was the centre of production of high-end watches, jewellery and related goods in the late 18th and early 18th centuries.
Dimensions
geheel height: 2 cm
geheel width: 8.8 cm
geheel depth: 5.8 cm
geheel width: 8.8 cm
geheel depth: 5.8 cm