Victorian Rosewood Marquetry 6 Air Music Box/Zither Accompaniment

This beautiful Victorian music box has exquisite tone, and works perfectly!(please hear the :43 second sound byte of the No. #5 song "Se Petit vin de Bordeaux" at the bottom of this page...but please be patient, the file is QUITE LARGE (1 megabyte) and it could take a few minutes to download!). All parts are original, and have the stamped serial numbers "45765". We attributed this music box to Nicole Frere, based upon reference books, and serial numbers stamped on the parts, but have done further research on this piece, and we believe it may have been made by Auguste L'Epe'e, due to the tune card, and the LP stamped on the base on the box. If so, the box was produced in ST. Suzanne, Doubs, France, at the turn of the last century. Most of his boxes were not marked. It could also be a Geneva, Switzerland music box from the 1890's, attributed by the physical construction, the interior works, and the tune card. Either way, it is a beautiful machine, and plays extremely well. The bed plate is screwed in from the bottom of the case. The bottom of the case has "LP" stamped on the side edges, "GD" in the center. The serial numbers "45765" appear on the rachet lever, spring barrel, bed plate, end of the pinned cylinder, drive wheel, tune card, and the underside of the case (please see picture of the pinned cylinder). The zither accompaniment is activated by a small lever at the base of the zither. The paper under the bar causes certain notes to have a deadened plucking tone when activated. The paper has a few minor tears at one end on the underside of the bar, which is not noticeable. The pinned cylinder is 8 1/4" long, and 2" in diameter. The 73 tooth comb is complete and is 8 1/8" long. The dimensions of the case are 18 1/8" long, 8 7/8" wide, and 6" tall. The tune card (numbered #15624), features colorful dancing couples. There is a minor tear in the lower right corner of the tune card, and the upper corners are slightly folded (please see pictures). There are six airs, some in french. They are: 1. Carmen 2. Une Pointe de Champagne 3. Sa Camargo 4. Sa Mascotte 5. Se Petit vin de Bordeaux 6. Rigoletto. The works are protected by a glass door, which is hinged at the back. The marguetry (inlay) on the lid is in excellent and lovely condition (please see pictures), with only very minor surface scuffs through the years that are not noticeable. The latch mechanism on the inside of the lid does not quite meet and sit down perfectly due to age, but we do not want to try to adjust it. We will leave that to the new owner. There is no key, but the lock appears to be complete. This very beautiful music box is an exceptional example of Victorian ingenuity, and the love of music!