| Collecting music boxes such as carousel music boxes, | | | | sheet forms are important and any absence |
| music trinket boxes, children's jewelry boxes, and | | | | decreases its value. Most antique and music box |
| many other mechanical instruments and movements | | | | collectors prefer to have music boxes with the |
| is a hobby loved by many a music box and antique | | | | original sheets. So, remember these important points |
| collector. However, there are certain things music | | | | when considering purchasing a fully restored or |
| boxes and antique collectors can do to ensure they | | | | unrestored music box. |
| are getting a valuable piece for their collection. Here | | | | 3. Take a careful look at the front, sides, and back |
| are a few tips to help in this process. | | | | of music boxes made from the 1880's on. Many were |
| 1. Make sure you truly are purchasing a valuable music | | | | made to look nice with a simple walnut veneer, but in |
| box. There are some vendors who inflate the value | | | | reality a simple technique of brush-graining using |
| of the item and in general are just unscrupulous. To | | | | scumble was done. In addition, the bells were cheap |
| protect yourself, first took carefully at the box. If it | | | | and had a high and untuned sound. So, these types |
| looks like new, be cautious since, unfortunately, some | | | | of music boxes are best to avoid if seeking a box of |
| restorers have just cleared away all the originality. If | | | | value. |
| the music box is old and pricey, you can usually find | | | | 4. Look for music boxes with plain cases as an |
| out who has restored it, how good it was, as well as | | | | important point to consider since it is likely the date |
| check out the restorer's reputation. | | | | when it was manufactured was early. Another point |
| 2. If purchasing a fully restored music box, consider a | | | | to consider is the larger the movement relative to its |
| preserved piece in an unrestored and original | | | | case, the higher quality and value a music box has. |
| condition, as this will have much more value. While | | | | While this may not be true in all cases, it is important |
| fully restored musical boxes look quite attractive, | | | | to think about when assessing a music box's value. |
| they very well maybe of less value that a preserved | | | | Collecting music boxes such as carousel music boxes, |
| piece in an unrestored and original condition. For | | | | music trinket boxes, children's jewelry boxes, and |
| example, just about all key-wound music boxes made | | | | many other mechanical instruments and movements |
| before 1850 were produced when quality was the | | | | is hobby loved by many a music box and antique |
| priority. Typically, the more plain the case of a | | | | collector. Following the above tips can greatly assist |
| cylinder music box, the earlier it was made. Also, tune | | | | collectors in forming a valuable music box collection. |