Commissions and Restorations
I can offer to build you a personalised music box or restore one you already have.
There are many options available including antique or vintage boxes converted into a music box using quality second hand (restored) or brand new movements of various sizes and tunes. I have a good stock of 18 note and some larger multi tune movements to choose from. New movements in various sizes playing various tunes are also available to order.
I can restore both mechanisms and the exterior of all sorts of boxes, musical or otherwise, to a high standard.
Contact me if you would like to discuss a restoration or commission. No obligation.
Below are examples of some of my work.
There are many options available including antique or vintage boxes converted into a music box using quality second hand (restored) or brand new movements of various sizes and tunes. I have a good stock of 18 note and some larger multi tune movements to choose from. New movements in various sizes playing various tunes are also available to order.
I can restore both mechanisms and the exterior of all sorts of boxes, musical or otherwise, to a high standard.
Contact me if you would like to discuss a restoration or commission. No obligation.
Below are examples of some of my work.
New From Old
Both boxes have a brand new 37 note movement designed and assembled in Great Britain.
The first box was originally a cigarette box with a small movement at one end
The second box was a music box kit from the 1930's that had never been assembled.
The lids have be inlaid with a contrasting marquetry panel showing the recipients initials or a design of choice.
Both boxes below are highly personalised, including the choice of tune.
Click the first images to see the workshop page showing how they were made.
The first box was originally a cigarette box with a small movement at one end
The second box was a music box kit from the 1930's that had never been assembled.
The lids have be inlaid with a contrasting marquetry panel showing the recipients initials or a design of choice.
Both boxes below are highly personalised, including the choice of tune.
Click the first images to see the workshop page showing how they were made.
Pair of Personalised Boxes
This is a commission for a pair of personalised music boxes to be given to twins.
The client chose two oak cigarette boxes from a small stock that I have.
Both incorporate a custom made oval inlay of the name of the recipient.
Both are fitted with a quality second hand refurbished 18 note movement by Swiss manufacturer Reuge along with a suitable control mechanism and clear polycarbonate cover.
Finally the boxes were given several coats of shellac polish.
Click the red heading above or here for more information
If you would like a similar box made up, I have a good choice of tunes available from stock.
Alternatively I can supply a brand new movement in various sizes and tunes.
Contact me for more information.
The client chose two oak cigarette boxes from a small stock that I have.
Both incorporate a custom made oval inlay of the name of the recipient.
Both are fitted with a quality second hand refurbished 18 note movement by Swiss manufacturer Reuge along with a suitable control mechanism and clear polycarbonate cover.
Finally the boxes were given several coats of shellac polish.
Click the red heading above or here for more information
If you would like a similar box made up, I have a good choice of tunes available from stock.
Alternatively I can supply a brand new movement in various sizes and tunes.
Contact me for more information.
Antique Tunbridgeware Box Conversion
This Tunbridge Ware box was selected by a friend to be converted into a music box for a close family member.
The original interior was in reasonable condition, but the paper coverings were tired.
A new hexagonal escutcheon in Mother of Pearl was fitted to the front.
A second hand, but unused, 50 note 4 tune movement was fitted below the tray with a control on the front.
Four small bead feet were added to raise the box to allow for the winder key.
Click the red heading above or here for more information
The original interior was in reasonable condition, but the paper coverings were tired.
A new hexagonal escutcheon in Mother of Pearl was fitted to the front.
A second hand, but unused, 50 note 4 tune movement was fitted below the tray with a control on the front.
Four small bead feet were added to raise the box to allow for the winder key.
Click the red heading above or here for more information
Ballerina movement in 1880's Tunbridgeware Box
This commission was for a first granddaughter who lives in Sydney.
The grandparents moved to Sydney before Lyra arrived, so I had to wait for a name before I could complete the work.
The box was bought at a local auction and required some restoration to the inlay plus a key for the lock.
Then the interior required mirrors, block to support the movement and lining.
The movement was in good condition, just requiring a service and a new ballerina.
I delivered it personally during a visit to Sydney in September 2023.
The grandparents moved to Sydney before Lyra arrived, so I had to wait for a name before I could complete the work.
The box was bought at a local auction and required some restoration to the inlay plus a key for the lock.
Then the interior required mirrors, block to support the movement and lining.
The movement was in good condition, just requiring a service and a new ballerina.
I delivered it personally during a visit to Sydney in September 2023.
Four tune musical box with storage
This commission, by the same grandparents as the ballerina box above, was for the second, male, grandchild.
Victorian Cartel Restoration
I restored this 6/57 Cartel music box for a friend.
The comb had four broken teeth which were restored by The Music Box Restorer.
Click the red heading above for more information
The comb had four broken teeth which were restored by The Music Box Restorer.
Click the red heading above for more information
Small Trinket Box Restoration
This box, belonging to a friend, was given a new lease of life with very little effort and a small piece of brass to repair a broken hinge, polycarbonate cover and velvet lining. The original lid over the mechanism was also covered in velvet and the movement was cleaned and serviced.
She was delighted with the result.
She was delighted with the result.
Victorian Photo Album with two tune musical movement
This album, entitled "The Seasons" is in pristine condition considering that it is over 140 years old.
It's a shame that there are no authentic Victorian family photographs inside. It appears that it has in fact never been used for photos.
The leather cover and spine are decorated in gold leaf and are unrestored.
The 2/41 musical movement by JGM&Co plays two delightful unknown tunes and works well.
It just needed to replace the spring for the stop mechanism.
The leather exterior was treated with a small amount of leather cream to add some moisture.
It's a shame that there are no authentic Victorian family photographs inside. It appears that it has in fact never been used for photos.
The leather cover and spine are decorated in gold leaf and are unrestored.
The 2/41 musical movement by JGM&Co plays two delightful unknown tunes and works well.
It just needed to replace the spring for the stop mechanism.
The leather exterior was treated with a small amount of leather cream to add some moisture.
If you have a musical box that requires restoration, I would be happy to give you advice on what needs doing and, if it's within my capability, quote to do the work. If it's outside my comfort zone I can advise on who might be able to help you.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss a commission or service
Please contact me if you would like to discuss a commission or service