Coin-operated disc musical automaton with clock “Polyphon 105 U”
Coin-operated disc musical automaton with clock “Polyphon 105 U”
Germany, Leipzig
Circa 1900
Polyphon Musikwerke AG
Wood, metal, glass, steel, brass; wood carving, veneering, lacquering, mechanical work, casting
251 x 85 x 45 cm, disc diameter 62.5 cm, weight 98 kg
Inscriptions on the nameplate: “Mettez une pièce de 5 centimes.”; on the openwork grille and base of the musical mechanism: “Polyphon”; on the pressure bar lock: “8860”; on the winding crank: “DRGM/27135”
Musical automaton is mounted in vertical rectangular wooden case finished with precious wood veneers. Case rests on two turned front feet and solid back support. Drawer for coins with mortise lock is positioned between front feet. Facade features door with arched glazed window. Turned shaped columns are located on both sides of the window. Sound fretwork opening covered with carved wooden grille featuring name of the automaton is situated above the arch.
Once the mainspring is wound and a coin is inserted, the program disc, mounted on the axle and secured by a pressure bar, begins to rotate. Projection pins on the reverse side of the disc pluck the teeth of the musical comb in a specific sequence. The set includes a winding crank, two keys, and eleven interchangeable program discs.
Music media - pinned metal disc
722.1-4/ММП