The case of this large cylinder musical box is graced with beautifully grained wlanut veneer and veneer borders. There are inlays on both the lid and the front of the box.
The box has ebonized painted trim. On the front (and rear) of the box are 2 screws and washers mid-way from top to bottom. These secure the bedplate of the musical movement so that it rests half-way up inside the box.
This musical box was manufactured by Mermod Frères, Ste-Croix, Switzerland in the latter half of the 19th Century.
The picture below shows the musical movement with a 16" cylinder and two combs. The larger one on the left has 71 teeth and plays the tune while the small 6-tooth comb on the right activates the bells using levers that go underneath the comb.
Notice that the bell strikers are formed as bees. There is a lever, barely visible on the lower right that slightly covers the comb screw of the bell comb. This lever, whe moved to the front, will deactivate the bells. The start/stop lever and the tune change lever are visible on the right side.
The spring motor on musical movement is wound by the lever whose handle is seen at the upper left.
