I recently received an antique music box through inheritance.  I am the
fourth generation to receive it and would like to know something about
it.  I have searched our small library and have had little success.  I
hope that you may know something or have friends who may know something
about the music box.  Anyway I would appreciate your help if you can.

The box appears to be mahogany or rosewood.  There are 3 rectangular
inlaid designs on the top of the box.  It is stained in a dark color.
The box is 18" long, 9" wide and 5.25" high.  These is no manufacturer's
marking on the box.  It has one comb and is screwed in with 6 screws.
The bottom base plate has a copper color and is screwed in at the
bottom of the box.  It has one cylinder and it is 8 1/4" long.

The music sheet centered on the inside hinged lid says 8 airs F 1/2 and
looks like 8p or 8g after it.  It has the initials of bf in light pencil
on the right bottom and the numbers 21958 in light pencil on the left
bottom.  There is also the numbers 8127 printed in very small letters
on the left bottom of the sheet.  At the bottom of the sheet there are
two seals about the size, shape and color of a penny centered on the
sheet.  The word Philadphie is centered between the two seals at the
top and the bottom of the two seals centered is the date 1876.  The
seal on the left has a lady sitting in it and the seal on the right
has International Exhibition, Philadelphia, MDCCC within the seal.
The sheet has 7 figures depicting an aristroic life style at the top,
two ladies one on each side.  One lady is holding a harp and the other
is holding a shield which appears to be the flag of Switzerland.  At
the bottom there are two scenes of what appears to be early Philadelphia
life styles.

The box has a hinged inner glass window framed in wood.  On the left
of the box is a lever that is used to wind the box.  The music box is
in excellent condition and still plays all tunes.  There is also a
repeat and play lever on the right side that work.

Thank you for your help and consideration.
Beverly Burry

 [ Please respond directly to Beverly and to the MMD.  As
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