November Exceptional Estates Auction
Lot 269:
Description
Vintage whimsical German or Swiss Brienz-style novelty music box, presumed to be a smoking (cigarette) holder of some sort. The tree trunk on the back of the larger elephant has a rod inside that — when depressed — stops the music. There’s a small elephant on the backside of the tree trunk, which the larger elephant is carrying over his shoulder. There are seven holes, about 1″ deep, drilled around the trunk (and right at the smaller elephant’s, um, belly) and at the front end of the trunk, as well as in lieu of the large elephant’s trunk, presumed to be for cigarettes. The front of the base is inscribed “To my brother John from Louis, in Zurich – Switzerland.” The back edge has “1945” incised into it. Measures about 12-1/2″ high overall. This item can be shipped in-house. Multiple lot combined shipping may require 3rd Party shipping.
Condition
Music box plays as it should when wound. One base foot replaced by a cork piece. Small elephant is missing an ear and the tip of its trunk, and has had a (correctable) glue repair to its neck. Large elephant has had left ear reglued and is missing his left tusk. This would be a nice, fairly simple restoration project for anyone halfway competent in basic woodworking.
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