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Victorian Symphonion
Sold by In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
sold SA1122803
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2016
Browse dealers 242 items
  • About Us
    Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member
  • Trade Associations
    In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
Id #SA1122803
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Victorian Symphonion

19th century
Sold 7 July 2025 · In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
This “Victorian Symphonion ” found a buyer.

It was listed by In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A fabulous Victorian Symphonion dating from the late 19th Century. It is contained within its original walnut box, inlaid with a boxwood strung border and 'Symphonion' in ornate text. Below the lid is a paper insert showing a traditional scene of cherubs playing music. It also comes with 3 original discs.

The music player is operated by a clockwork mechanism and even after 120 years or more the sound is beautiful. It is wound using the lever on the front of the box and it has a stop/start lever on the side.

It is a standard sized player, playing 10" discs. It has 50 teeth on a 4" steel comb that plays the most intricate of discs effortlessly. It has been thoroughly cleaned and serviced and is in good working order and a video can be provided of it playing. The teeth are all intact and in good condition.

The box itself is also in good condition with no major damage and a lovely patina. There are a few small knocks and light marks commensurate with age but nothing detrimental.

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £20

Date of Manufacture

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Victorian Disk Musical Box to the Victorian era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
19cm (7.48")
Width
33cm (12.99")
Depth
29cm (11.42")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1122803
Description
A fabulous Victorian Symphonion dating from the late 19th Century.
“
It is contained within its original walnut box, inlaid with a boxwood strung border and 'Symphonion' in ornate text.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Below the lid is a paper insert showing a traditional scene of cherubs playing music. It also comes with 3 original discs.

fig 1. An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface.
fig 1. Victorian Symphonion

The music player is operated by a clockwork mechanism and even after 120 years or more the sound is beautiful. It is wound using the lever on the front of the box and it has a stop/start lever on the side.

fig 2. An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface.
fig 2. Victorian Symphonion

It is a standard sized player, playing 10" discs. It has 50 teeth on a 4" steel comb that plays the most intricate of discs effortlessly. It has been thoroughly cleaned and serviced and is in good working order and a video can be provided of it playing. The teeth are all intact and in good condition.

fig 3. An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface.
fig 3. Victorian Symphonion

The box itself is also in good condition with no major damage and a lovely patina. There are a few small knocks and light marks commensurate with age but nothing detrimental.

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £20

Date of Manufacture

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Victorian Disk Musical Box to the Victorian era.

Height
19cm (7.48")
Width
33cm (12.99")
Depth
29cm (11.42")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1122803
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2016

Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

Trade Associations

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 16
Archive I An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Victorian Symphonion

Archive II An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View II
Archive III An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View III
Archive IV An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View IV
Archive V An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View V
Archive VI An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View VI
Archive VII An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View VII
Archive VIII An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View VIII
Archive IX An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View IX
Archive X An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View X
Archive XI An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View XI
Archive XII An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View XII
Archive XIII An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View XIII
Archive XIV An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View XIV
Archive XV An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View XV
Archive XVI An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface. View XVI
Enlarged Archival View
Location
7 North Street
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7QJ
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Verified Since Aug 2016
Items For Sale 242
Items Sold 3,786
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: 7 North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QJ, United Kingdom, , Opening hours:, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Verified
Aug 2016
For Sale
242
Sold
3,786
An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface.
Victorian Symphonion
Ref: SA1122803
An open wooden Victorian Symphonion box with a metal disk inside and two spare disks resting beside it on a white surface.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMusical Box
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialWood, Brass, Steel, Paper
  • ColourBrown
  • MotifsInterchangeable metal disks, Printed interior lithograph, Hand-tuned steel comb, Winding crank mechanism
  • SizeH 19 cm (7 in) x W 33 cm (13 in) x D 29 cm (11 in)

A Symphonion is a brand of disk-playing musical box invented in Germany in the late 19th century, utilizing interchangeable metal disks with pierced projections to pluck tuned steel teeth on a comb.

These instruments typically feature wooden cases made from pine, mahogany, or walnut, housing precision brass mechanisms, steel combs, and metal alloy playing disks.

Authenticity is determined by examining the hand-tuned steel comb, original paper lithograph inside the lid, stamped serial numbers, and the aged patina of the metal and wood components.

This piece works well as a focal point on a console table or bookshelf, adding historical character and a tactile element to traditional or eclectic spaces.

Keep the instrument away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent wood warping and metal oxidation, and consult a specialist for mechanical servicing.
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