A rare Reuge (Sainte-Croix, Switzerland) mechanical music box with a presidential theme, one of about a dozen known identical music boxes purportedly commissioned by 37th U.S. President Richard Nixon (1913-1994), in conjunction with Rita Ford Music Boxes, that he later gifted to members of his cabinet. N.d., but probably ca. late 1960s. According to the Nixon Library webpage, these are listed in “White House Gift Unit” records and appear online.

The music box appears to have its original brass fixtures, including a 4.5" long cylinder; 42-note comb; spring housing engraved "Reuge - Sainte-Croix - Made in Switzerland"; and the winding key marked "Reuge Music" found on the underside of the box. The serial number found on the plate is 1616-1.3772/3. The box is covered in blue leather with an enameled presidential seal on the hinged top lid. The underside of the lid is decorated with a print of the White House, along with a song list of popular melodies from movies and television, ca. 1965-1968. A vintage sticker reading "Rita Ford, Inc. Music Boxes Bought Sold Repaired" from their New York City location is also located underneath the box. The music box is currently not in working condition and could probably be easily repaired. A small barely noticeable leather separation at one of the music box corners, else near fine. 8.5" x 4.75" x 3.25." The music box is housed in a blue leather box lined with white velvet, with a gilt presidential seal on the top lid, measuring 9.125" x 5.5." x 3.125" overall. Expected surface wear including scuffs, else good.

The airs include:

- "Lara's Theme" by Maurice Jarre from "Doctor Zhivago" (1965)

- "Edelweiss" by Richard Rodgers from "The Sound of Music" (1965)

- "Strangers in the Night" by Bert Kaempfert from "A Man Could Get Killed" (1966)

- "Sound of Music" by Richard Rodgers from "The Sound of Music" (1965)

- "Love is Blue" [L'Amour est Bleu"] by André Popp (1967)

- "A Time for Us" by Nino Rota from "Romeo and Juliet" (1968)

Examples of this presidential Reuge music box are very unusual, but those that have appeared on the market are attributed to be associated with Richard Nixon. Numbers that exist range from 12-14. We could not find concrete evidence of this connection, except an intriguing passing reference in the Staff Secretary White House Special Files in the collection of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum from March 1973, listing "Music box bills." 

Reuge, established in 1865 in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, is still one of the most prestigious mechanical music box companies in the world. Founded in 1947, Rita Ford Music Boxes is still in operation but has relocated from Madison Avenue to New Providence, New Jersey.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!