We present a new video "Exhibit in details. Musical nécessaire with automaton", in which we will tell you about the fascinating details of one of the exhibits presented at the thematic exhibition "The Order of Things" — Musical nécessaire with automaton, created in France in the 1890s.

Wooden musical nécessaire with automaton in rectangular case with rounded corners, with ornately shaped gilded metal overlays made of wood, covered with embossed turquoise fabric, with the base and hinged lid with lock, on four round feet. The inner side of the base is pasted with purple satin, quilted pillow and two compartments for bottles are on the bottom. A mirror is inside the right part of the lid, cylinder musical movement for two tunes is in the lid left part. Musical movement is closed by a panel with the composition of colored paper with a sailing ship, rocking on stormy sea, windmill, keyhole and levers for activating the movement, automaton and switching the tunes. Front cardboard panel is pasted with purple velvet, embroidered with ribbon, with fixed clips for scissors, a tapestry needle, a thimble, an awl with a spatula and one other (missing) item. When the movement is turned on, a tune sounds, the boat swings on the waves, and the wings of the mill rotate. Enclosed in the case is a photograph on glass plate for a magic lantern depicting a meeting of the royal family at Windsor in 1907. The lower panel has a sticker with handwritten inscription. The key with oval grip and long stem, with a square section channel.

It is presumed that the inscription referred to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (1867-1953) who held the titles Duchess of York from 1893 to 1901, Princess of Wales from 1901 to 1910, and queen consort to her husband, George V of England, from 1910 to 1936. Enid Edith Scudamore-Stanhope, Lady Chesterfield, lived at Beningbrough Hall in Yorkshire from 1917 to 1957. Following her death, the house stuff was sold at auction by Curtis & Henson in June 1958. Accompanying the lot is a photographic magic lantern slide showing a royal gathering at Windsor in 1907.

The Princess of Wales is the fifth person from the left.