A Nicole Freres penny-in- the-slot upright polyphon
Leipzig, Germany
late 19th century
Playing on twenty-four and one half inch discs, the upper case with applied paper label to inside inscribed NICOLE FReRES, LTD and brass plaque to the side inscribed Drop a Penny in the slot Nicole Freres-Leipzig., raised on an associated wood cupboard, together with twelve discs.
height of polyphone 39 3/4in (101cm); height overall 73 1/4in (186cm); width 30 1/2in (77.5cm); depth 19in (48cm)
Provenance:
Sold in these Rooms, 3 March 2019, lot 312.

Cupboard stand associated, as stated. Timber of a darker color than music box case. General marks, scratches, cracking and wear. The mechanical parts appear to be original. The shires for the penny and the curved bar below the penny tray may be replaced. There is some bending and a few creases and some rusting to the discs but all play. It is a penny in the slot mechanism, the penny can be inserted both sides the Shute to the left side is askew and will need to be realigned. The crank is broken and will need to be repaired. The cover between the playing disc and the movement is missing. Two width cracks to case below movement. There are 12 discs in total. No cabinet key. Base cabinet later. The drawer and side supports to the upper cabinet are later.