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.
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 have been made and it now runs well. Took about three hours to straighten all the bent pins.
The box has had some minor 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 where there is a list of the tunes too.
There was initial disappointment because there were some essential components missing from the drive and tune selector area. However, new ones have been made and it now runs well. Took about three hours to straighten all the bent pins.
The box has had some minor 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 where there is a list of the tunes too.
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.
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
More information here
4/77 Mandoline Zither Petites Musique by Paillard Vaucher et fils
Serial No. 4976 circa 1890
Bought at auction January 2024
Very rare & unusual Tabatiére in in Amboyna case with mother of pearl cartouche
Previously owned by David Tallis
More information here
Very rare & unusual Tabatiére in in Amboyna case with mother of pearl cartouche
Previously owned by David Tallis
More information here
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.
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.
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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.
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.
4/82 "Fortisimo" Petites Musique by Chevob & Co. late Baker Troll & Co.
Bought via eBay in January 2025
A very unusual box with pristine tune sheet by a known maker and with full provenance from new.
Requires some new components
A very unusual box with pristine tune sheet by a known maker and with full provenance from new.
Requires some new components
