Singing Bird Tabatieres - Not your ordinary “Bird Box”
A creative side to the history of MUSICAL BOXES 

The creation of the music box began due to in part by the carillon bell towers used in Europe. Barrels pinned with cogs would move hammers to strike tuned bells at an exact time creating music that was heard for miles.

Another invention that helped with the creation of the music box was the tuned steel music note or tooth, developed in the late 18th century. The first intention of these mechanics were for toys or novelty items, but the love of music begged for more. 

The creation of the music box began due to in part by the carillon bell towers used in Europe. Barrels pinned with cogs would move hammers to strike tuned bells at an exact time creating music that was heard for miles. In addition another invention that helped with the creation of the music box was the tuned steel music note or tooth, developed in the late 18th century. The first intention of these mechanics were for toys or novelty items, but the love of music begged for more.

The idea of having a box play music by itself was started in Switzerland and thus began the evolution of the music box. Musical box varieties spanned from mandolin, sublime harmony, interchangeable cylinder and orchestra cylinder music boxes to snuff boxes, necessaries and singing bird boxes, otherwise known as “Singing Bird Tabatieres” or Mechanical Singing Bird Automas.

These little singing bird elites represented days of royalty and allure and received their start in homes of the wealthy. Often, one-of-a-kinds were made specifically for one person or royal family. They are technical marvels with extremely intricate moving parts that produce sounds so true-to-life you would actually think they are real birds. The beautiful little bird that pops out of the top of the box, flaps its wings and chirps and sings, is constructed of real bird feathers and often was made by a real taxidermist.  

Later on, as people became disenchanted with the 4 to 12 tunes, the music box evolved to more sophisticated versions that included individual music discs allowing the owner to purchase new discs that contained different music selections and as many as he or she wanted. Unique variations of the music disc box included photo music boxes that held cherished photographs of the family and allowed for individual music tastes.

Through the years ways to play music have gone from towers with bells, to music boxes, to phonographs, to automatic piano players, to 8 track cassettes, compact discs and now iPods. (I wonder what 18th century people would think of the iPod!) And while the tools for which to play music has changed, one would not disagree that music is an invention of the heart bringing you back to a moment in time in the past whether you lived it or not.  

At the upcoming December Antique Show in Scottsdale, you can see these wonderful musical creations up close and personal. Visit the booth of Wanda and Bob Jones and you will be delightfully educated on antiques of all forms and fashions. It is truly a pleasure listening to the passion and knowledge that of Wanda Jones.

While you are there, do your HOLIDAY SHOPPING … you will find many quality antiques from quality dealers spanning form the early 1700's to the turn-ofthe-century and into modernism, including the Deco and Retro perior as well as early American and European can be found at the upcoming Scottsdale Arizona Antique Market.

FOR PHOTOS OF WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT THE SHOWS CLICK HERE 

December 9-10-11, 2011 - Parking and admission is FREE

13802 N Scottsdale Rd., Ste 142 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Northwest corner of Scottsdale & Thunderbird Rd.

Friday, Noon to 6pm, Saturday, 9am-5pm, Sunday, 10am-4pm.

For more information visit our website at www.AzAntiqueShow.com or Call Wanda Jones at 602-717-7337