A detailed guide to builders, musical arrangements, mechanical construction and restoration.

New knowledge as to dating has enabled the author to accurately date boxes produced by eleven of the leading makers over the period 1830 to 1900.

Charts the developments of music boxes from the invention of the first one in 1796 through today.

Contains diagrams of the various types of mechanical movements used over the centuries, indices of manufacturers, box styles, and tune sheets, complete American and British patent lists, and tips on maintaining, repairing, and purchasing boxes. Many of the loveliest musical boxes ever crafted are illustrated in color, with hundreds more b/w photos showing their mechanical workings. 80 diagrams explaining their functions help collectors use, maintain and repair boxes in their collections.