Petites Musique's

The term Petites Musique is used to describe a larger than normal Tabatière or Snuff Box movement.
This type of music box is a particular favourite of mine.

6/51 Petites Musique - Large Tabatiére or small Cartel?

This Petites Musique attracted my attention because it's a larger than usual movement in a small cartel type box with hinged glass lid.
There was initial disappointment because there were some essential components missing from the drive and tune selector area. However, new ones were made and it now runs well. Took about three hours to straighten all the bent pins.
The box has had some extensive repairs and a repolish.
The tune sheet has been stained making it difficult to read but it has been deciphered.
See it in the workshop

6/50 Petites Musique

Bought at auction in August 2023
All Scottish tunes
​Movement and case restored but the mainspring now needs replacing
​Fully restored.

6/50 Petites Musique by Paillard

Bought from an Antique dealer via E-bay.
The original box with the original list of airs in the lid is all original and the tunes are lovely.
Research shows that the movement was almost certainly made in Saint Croix, probably supplied by Paillard.
HMS Pinafore was first performed in 1878 so this box is likely to be 1879/80
​See Workshop page for more information.

Click to play 'My Little Buttercup' from HMS Pinafore

6/42 Petites Musique by B A Bremond circa 1882

Bought at auction in May 2023, this large Tabatière. known as a Petites Musique, has a very nice set of tunes shown on the original tune sheet which is clearly marked as being by B.A. Bremond. Although a little dirty, the movement plays perfectly and the lacquered ebony case, with tiny mother of pearl inlaid band, is in excellent condition.
​More information here

4/77 Mandoline Zither Petites Musique by Paillard Vaucher et fils
​Serial No. 4976:  Circa 1875/6

Bought at auction January 2024
​Very rare & unusual Tabatiére in an Amboyna case with mother of pearl cartouche.
Previously owned by David Tallis
Very few Petites Musique's are known to exist with a zither
​More information here

4/75 "Mandoline" Petites Musique by Paillard

Bought at auction November 2025
Another Mandoline movement by Paillard.
​Lid inlaid with silver stringing.
​Restored February 2026.

See it in the workshop

4/52 Petites Musique - made for the American market - circa 1881

Fairly common style box with an unusual movement with patent details MSH 'ST 1881 stamped over the spring housing.
The drive mechanism is very unusual. The spring is wound anti-clockwise. The spring housing is cast with the bedplate so the crown wheel forms the top of the housing and rotates when running. The butterfly vane, also stamped with a Patent in 1882, is mounted horizontally rather than vertically and is much larger than the usual Paillard style snuff box movement.
The box was in poor shape and require some detailed restoration.
See the workshop page for more detail.

3/70 Petites Musique in a Burr Walnut Box

3/70 Burr Walnut box with brass trim. Movement and box cleaned and polished.
It's had a new mainspring ratchet made by a friend and could do with a Geneva Stop part to complete the restoration.
​Plays beautifully.
​Unfortunately it has no tune sheet. Click here to hear and see it playing.

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4/82 "Fortissimo" 
Large Petites Musique by Chevob & Co. late Baker - Troll & Co. Circa 1905/6

Bought via eBay in January 2025
A very unusual box with almost pristine tune sheet by a known maker and with full provenance from new.
​Restoration complete February 2026

See it in the workshop

4/72 "Fortissimo" Petites Musique by George Baker - Troll
Serial no. 5017, circa 1893

Bought at auction January 2026
Lovely Amboyna case, similar to the Mandoline Zither above, with nickel plated movement playing four airs.
Runs, but requires a replacement click spring.

See it in the workshop