THE PRIVATE COLLECTION: FROM ONE COLLECTOR TO ANOTHER
Items in my own "Private Collection" are delivered in person "From One Collector to Another."
Contact: Kevin on 07424 563 048
This extraordinary 19 5/8-inch table Polyphon is a prized rarity among antique mechanical music devices, far surpassing the more commonly encountered 15-inch models in both scale and scarcity. Crafted during the late 19th to early 20th century, at the height of the disc-operated music box era, this larger variant was produced in limited quantities, likely tailored for affluent patrons or commercial settings seeking grander sound and presence. Its impressive size not only allowed for larger, more complex musical discs but also enhanced acoustic resonance, producing deeper, fuller tones that filled parlors and salons with unparalleled richness.
The Polyphon’s engineering reflects meticulous craftsmanship: its robust brass-and-steel mechanism accommodates hefty 19 5/8-inch discs, each painstakingly perforated to trigger up to 144 precision-tuned steel teeth. These discs, rarer than their smaller counterparts, often featured elaborate arrangements of popular operatic overtures, waltzes, and folk tunes, showcasing the era’s musical tastes. Surviving examples of this size are exceptionally uncommon, as many were dismantered for parts or lost to time, making this intact piece a coveted treasure.
Historical records suggest that larger Polyphons like this were status symbols, displayed in upscale hotels, theaters, or wealthy households. The intricate floral or geometric motifs adorning its wooden case, paired with a polished brass horn or resonator, underscore its dual role as functional instrument and decorative art. Collectors will note unique features, such as reinforced gears to handle the weight of larger discs and a more elaborate crank mechanism, reflecting adaptations for its grander scale.
For enthusiasts, this Polyphon represents the pinnacle of pre-electronic musical innovation—a bridge between portable tabletop models and monumental floor-standing orchestrions. Its rarity, coupled with operational condition, elevates it beyond a mere curiosity to a centerpiece of mechanical music history. A surviving relic of the golden age of automatons, this 19 5/8-inch Polyphon whispers the ambition and artistry of an era enchanted by machinery’s power to mimic life itself.
Ideal for discerning collectors, museums, or restorers, this Polyphon is not just an instrument but a testament to human ingenuity—a rare harmony of engineering, art, and sound.
