L'Epeé Mandolin Orchestra Music Box
1889

An exceptional mandolin orchestra musical box made by L'Epeé in 1889.

A large superbly crafted case, featuring magnificent inlay work to the lid, houses the orchestral musical movement made by the renowned French maker L'Epeé. The orchestral musical movement consists of 5 tuned bells, a snare drum as well as the finely crafted castanet. Each instrument can be engaged or dis-engaged at will, allowing the listener to select any or all of the accompaniments for each individual tune. The mandolin pinning is a very rare feature on an orchestra musical box and sounds superb. The tune programme includes operatic pieces among others that bring out the very best of each of the instruments present here. The arrangements are excellent and the musical timing of each instrument is perfect. Overall, a very fine piece of Victorian precision engineering combined with outstanding musical excellence.

Movement and case have been lovingly restored to the very highest of standards.