Wooden music boxes are not only impressive works of art, but also witnesses to a rich historical and technical evolution that still fascinates us today.
The music box, once a symbol of innovation, is the result of centuries of development in precision mechanics and acoustics. Originally introduced in the 18th century as a cylinder music box, it represents an era in which craftsmanship and technology merged in a unique way. Antoine Favre is credited with the invention of the first music box, which fascinated with its finely tuned mechanism of reed comb and spiked wheel.
At the heart of a music box is the tone comb - a series of finely tuned metal tongues that are precisely cut at different lengths to produce different tones. These tongues react to the bumps on a rotating cylinder or punched plate, creating the characteristic melody of a music box. Every movement, every note is the result of a harmonious interaction between the cylinder and comb, bringing a melody to life.
The development of the plate music box in the late 19th century, an innovation by the Leipzig musician Paul Lohmann, marked a turning point in the history of these instruments. The introduction of interchangeable, perforated metal plates made the music box more versatile and accessible. This technology allowed for a wider range of melodies and made the music box a popular entertainment medium.