Bahnhofssautomat No. 8538
Maillochon & Cie
Rare Coin-Activated "Station" Musical Box, c. 1890
No. 8538, playing eight popular and operatic airs including a lively rendition of the "Freyschütz" overture by Weber, accompanied by six optional bells with flower finials and two bisque dolls (in original silk costumes) dancing in mirrored grotto decorated with feather ferns and foliage, with 93 teeth in comb (complete), nickel-plated movement, double-springs with original winding crank, tune-indicator and zither attachment, in walnut-veneered case with glazed front, fretwork sound panels, coin-slot for 10 centimes and celluloid retailer’s or operator’s plaque: "A l’Automate Français, Appareils Automatiques, Mon. Maillochon & Cie., 29 Rue Meslay, Paris"
Wd. 28 in. x ht. 28 in. x dp. 19 ½ in. (71 x 71 x 49 cm), cylinder 13 in. (33 cm), four of the five butterfly strikers without wings, missing coin-trip, case without pediment, movement and case in generally good unrestored condition.
An unusually complete and original station musical box with signage, harmonious accompaniment and dancing dolls in fanciful garden setting.
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