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MMD > Archives > September 2010 > 2010.09.06 > 02Prev  Next


Sankyo Double-Comb Movement with Bells
By Nancy Fratti

> Stamped into the comb is a ship's anchor symbol.

This would be a box made by Thorens.  The Thorens factory was active
in the 1880s in Ste-Croix (Switzerland) and made both disc and cylinder
boxes.  They also made disc boxes under the name Helvetia and Edelweiss.

They made many 'tourist' souvenir sized cylinder movements which could
be found in a wide variety of case styles.  One of their most popular
movements was the 4-1/2" disc, 30-note movement.  Many people could
'have their own line of music boxes' by buying movements and putting
them in their own case.  Thorens was bought out by Reuge circa 1985.

> I can hear the levers working underneath to strike the bells as
> they accompany a rather simple rendition of the "Blue Danube Waltz".

I have an identical movement in stock right now but it doesn't play the
"Blue Danube".  (I recognize the tune, but can't name it).  The bells
are activated by a linkage attached to the first three teeth on the
left (bass) side of the comb.  The pin on the cylinder plucks the tooth
which moves the linkage which moves the bees which strike the bells!

I believe I got mine when I bought a collection back in the 1980-90s.
Sometimes 'little' boxes are collected by people who like the 'big'
ones too!

Enjoy!

Nancy Fratti - Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
Canastota, New York
http://www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com/ 


(Message sent Mon 6 Sep 2010, 18:26:41 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Bells, Double-Comb, Movement, Sankyo

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