Remember the music boxes of old... wind them up and marvel as the tiny notes were plucked to reveal a delicate tune. No batteries, no screens, just a wonderful idea that apparently came as a result of clock towers striking bells.

The theory was that if large hammers driven by the tower clock could strike the bells, why could tiny hammers not strike small bells in a watch. As early as 1770, Swiss watchmakers were setting small musical movements into watch cases, using a small tuned-steel comb played by pins or pegs set in a cylinder or disc.  By 1880, they were making tiny music boxes with from 15 to 25 teeth tuned to scale, screwed separately into position on the comb, and played upon by steel pins set in a brass disc. These first music boxes played only the simplest of airs.

You can still enjoy these wonderful music boxes, available with a great range of classic tunes. Simply hand crank these hurdy gurdy musical movements and enjoy as the melody takes you back to another era.

SIZE: 80 x 40 x 25mm