the early 1900's. Few antiques can stimulate and delight the senses the way a melodious music box does
when it begins to play.
Three Types of Music Boxes
Cylinder type
The cylinder type music box usually has only one cylinder that is non removable and plays multiple tunes by
shifting the cylinder sideways to engage a separate set of pins to play 4, 6, or 8 tunes. Some of the more
expensive ones also had removable interchangeable cylinders to get even more variety.
Disc type
The Disc type music box can either be the tabletop, console, upright or automatic changer style music box.
The tabletop model usually can sit on top of a table or may come with a stand that matches the music box.
The console style stands on the floor and usually has space in the bottom section for the storage of extra
discs. The upright variety has the disc mounted vertically and may also have a stand that goes under it for
disc storage.
Automatic Changer Style
Finally the automatic changer style holds up to 12 discs and changes them automatically like a jukebox. The
discs can be selected and then payed at will.
A few cylinder and some disc type music boxes can be found with or without a coin-operated mechanism
that takes a penny or a nickel. The coin operated styles were used in commercial establishments.
