In response to Suzana Clark's inquiry regarding the gazebo-type musical
box on Thu, 26 Feb 1998.

This sounds like a cigarette dispenser.  There were many of these made
using various materials, such as wood, plastic and metal.  Yours sounds
like a fancy metal one with enameled portions made by Reuge.  The
compartments that open, "shaped to hold a lipstick-sized object," are
meant to hold cigarettes.

Usually one would depress a button on the top of the box and a tune
plays while the doors open (and here is where one takes out a cigarette
from the pockets on the doors), then as a second tune is played, the
doors shut.

Another manufacturer of (cheaper) plastic ones was Swiss Harmony, Inc.
in Chicago.  The musical movements were made in Switzerland.

Regards,

Bill Wineburgh
http://members.aol.com/WWineburgh/musicbox.html