Some of the finest European artisans since the end of the 18th century, have been creating what we know today as the ‘music box’. Music boxes were considered home entertainment when there was little other except for talking and performing. The music that the music boxes would perform would be mainly popular songs from era, as well as opera and traditional songs and hymns. Music boxes are highly sought after by some antique collectors due to their unique history. The types of music boxes that collectors look for vary from ballerina boxes to carousel boxes to inlaid music boxes and more. If interested in starting out a music box collection, here are five tips to help you get started.
#1: Decide on how much you are willing to spend. You could end up with lots of music boxes, but are poor in quality. Or, you might decide to collect more valuable, high quality music boxes. If this were the case, your collection would start off slowly. Take your time and do what is best for you.
#2: Be sure to buy pieces based on your personal tastes; not just as investments. The music boxes you collect should be based on this and will give your collection uniformity. Some people may only prefer rare music boxes or miniature pieces. Others collectors might prefer focusing on Regina’s, disc boxes, objects d’ art, or Stella’s.
#3: Take into consideration looking for pieces of variety. This is a good way to spark up your collection and not let your eyes get bored. You can pick from a variety of things such as: disc musical boxes, cylinder music boxes, Stella music boxes, or polyphons. Keep in mind that having a ‘hodge podge’ of a collection can be fine!
#4: Have a plan as to how you would like to develop your collection. Next, take the necessary steps to see it come alive! Also, consider space. If you have limited space, you will have to be creative, especially if you like to collect large music boxes.
#5: When you’re getting a new piece for your music box collection, look for things that may require immediate attention such as rust. If or when you have the money or time to restore such pieces, it can certainly be beneficial in the long run. Always look carefully after your collection, some of them could certainly be quite old!
Collecting music boxes, antique or new, can certainly be a fun process. No matter what type of boxes you have from inlaid music boxes, to carousel music boxes, or any other types, check out follow these tips and you will be well on your way to having a great collection!
If a you are a hobbyist, musician or just a music lover, check out these articles on making money with music online as well as this great blog on all things music lessons!