12/129 Two per turn keywind Fat Cylinder Opera Cartel by Nicole Freres
Serial No. 32569, Gamme No. 1212. Circa 1855
Bought at auction April 2025
This box has an exact twin that belongs to a fellow collector.
Initial inspection has revealed ...
The back panel of the case has been replaced with pine
The flap is detached
There is a piece of trim missing from the right had edge of the lid
The rear spacer is missing
The hinges are loose (may not be original)
There is no key for the lock.
The lid decoration is in very good condition
The movement runs very slowly
The stop pin is bent
The cylinder sounds out of register, but this may be because of the number of bent pins
There are a few dampers missing - but not many
There are too many bent and missing pins. This is going to need a full re-pin
Original winder key and tune sheet are both present.
This box has an exact twin that belongs to a fellow collector.
Initial inspection has revealed ...
The back panel of the case has been replaced with pine
The flap is detached
There is a piece of trim missing from the right had edge of the lid
The rear spacer is missing
The hinges are loose (may not be original)
There is no key for the lock.
The lid decoration is in very good condition
The movement runs very slowly
The stop pin is bent
The cylinder sounds out of register, but this may be because of the number of bent pins
There are a few dampers missing - but not many
There are too many bent and missing pins. This is going to need a full re-pin
Original winder key and tune sheet are both present.
Auctioneer's images
The Case
The Movement
Sunday 26th April
I made a start on the restoration today.
First is dismantling and some inspection
I made a start on the restoration today.
First is dismantling and some inspection
The Comb
Note: There are a number of missing dampers
The Gamme no is scratched onto the end lead
Note: There are a number of missing dampers
The Gamme no is scratched onto the end lead
The Governor
All in excellent condition
All in excellent condition
Controls
The Spring Motor
All in excellent condition. No missing or broken parts
All in excellent condition. No missing or broken parts
The Cylinder Arbor
Note: There are four marked screws - all in the wrong place!
Note: There are four marked screws - all in the wrong place!
Smaller parts after cleaning
The Cylinder - after cleaning
It's not good news here. There are too many missing or severely bent pins for this to be viable.
A full re-pin will be necessary meaning that the movement will be away for at least 12 months.
It's not good news here. There are too many missing or severely bent pins for this to be viable.
A full re-pin will be necessary meaning that the movement will be away for at least 12 months.
Meanwhile, reassembly has taken place
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Movement running - just
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Movement reassembly complete
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The governor does run, but requires some adjustment which will be done when the re-pin is completed
27th May 2025
The case has required some work before re-polishing
The case has required some work before re-polishing
17th July 2025.
Final work on this box before it goes to be re-pinned.
Stain the new rear spacer.
Fit new pull tab for the glass lid.
Glean the glass, refit the flap, glass, lid and divider.
Wax polish and buff all wood surfaces.
Re-fix the tune sheet.
Final work on this box before it goes to be re-pinned.
Stain the new rear spacer.
Fit new pull tab for the glass lid.
Glean the glass, refit the flap, glass, lid and divider.
Wax polish and buff all wood surfaces.
Re-fix the tune sheet.
I've done all I can for now.
Taken to The Music Box Restorer in August 2025. I will not see this box again until Christmas 2026