2/82 note Rzebitschek Restoration Diary
Bought at auction in Prague - June 2025
A rare mechanical music box made by the renowned Czech maker Franz Rzebitschek in Prague between 1848 & 1854.
The mechanism plays two tunes, including the famous Radetzký March by Johann Strauss the Elder.
Serial No. 24588. Gamme No. 2091. Both marked on the bedplate.
Small mechanisms like this were mainly used in clocks, but some (this being one) were housed in crude wooden boxes with a pull-cord to start the mechanism.
Although relatively simple, the movements are of a high quality with a good strong sound.
Typically, and contrary to Swiss movements, the comb has the treble notes to the left and bass notes to the right.
A rare mechanical music box made by the renowned Czech maker Franz Rzebitschek in Prague between 1848 & 1854.
The mechanism plays two tunes, including the famous Radetzký March by Johann Strauss the Elder.
Serial No. 24588. Gamme No. 2091. Both marked on the bedplate.
Small mechanisms like this were mainly used in clocks, but some (this being one) were housed in crude wooden boxes with a pull-cord to start the mechanism.
Although relatively simple, the movements are of a high quality with a good strong sound.
Typically, and contrary to Swiss movements, the comb has the treble notes to the left and bass notes to the right.
As received
General views of the mechanism (without comb)
24th June - Disassembly begins
26th June - I've been busy - polishing
Now it plays both tunes - nicely!
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Do you recognise this tune?
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Radetzký March by Johann Strauss the Elder.
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Repairing the case
The finished restoration
