Objects with musical mechanism and automaton

Musical fob seal

    Musical fob seal

    Switzerland

    Circa 1830

    Steel, brass; mechanical works, gilding, soldering, polishing

    3.4 x 2.8 x 2.2 cm

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    Gilded fob from thin metal is in the form of oval case containing miniature musical movement with ornately shaped handle. The case lateral surface is decorated with corrugation. The polished flat lid, attached with screws, closes the case bottom side. Sliding switch of the movement is on the case lateral surface. The handle comprised of two polished hollow arcs is attached to the smooth convex upper side. The top parts of arcs join inside the polished sphere. The arcs’ split ends rest on the balls at the bottom. The rod, which serves to wind the movement, passes through the handle. Winding crank that is in the form of three thin soldered rings is fixed on the rod end. It serves as suspension as well. The rod is adorned with ribbed sphere inside the handle. The miniature musical movement with spring engine is comprised of pinned cylinder and stack of steel tuned slats.

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    Инв.5606/ДПИ