Reuge Music Box

Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box

Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box
Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box

Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box

ANTIQUE BRONZE DORE MINIATURE HAND PAINTED PORTRAIT MADONNA REUGE MUSIC BOX. This is a very neat and unusual little antique piece. It is a wind up music box inside a case. The music box is a very fine Reuge Swiss one that a plays a beautiful and haunting version of the song Avi Maria.

The really cool thing about this for me is the miniature hand painted portrait that appears to me to be of the Virgin Mary or Madonna. The painting is under glass and is artist signed just above where the subjects back meets the frame and of what I can make out appears to read Colvis.

It is 100% hand painted. The visible size of the portrait is about 1-7/16 (3.7 cm) top to bottom and about 1-1/8 (2.9 cm) left to right. Miniature paintings of this period were done on both ivory and celluloid and possibly other materials. Regardless, the substrate is wafer thin and would not constitute more than 2 or 3 percent of the weight of the piece.

The outer case consists of an ornate bronze Dore front with open lattice work. The back of the case is very heavy pressed paper covered with a deep red velvet like fabric.

The front and back are held together with tiny brass nails, which are fairly easy to remove in order to open the case. The bronze frame has 8 tiny holes for the nails but only 5 nails remain. This still holds the case together securely. The music box is inside with only the winding key for it outside the case.

There is an easel piece on the back of the case to allow the case to be displayed standing up a hook on the top for the case to be hung or suspended if desired. The music box inside the case is marked REUGE STE-CROX SWITZERLAND and appears to be a precision instrument. The winding key outside the case is also marked REUGE.

I find no other markings on the case. This is in great original condition. It is a very nice quality piece and a very attractive and desirable piece!

It has been in my personal collection in a smoke free home since 1999. I do my best to describe all items as accurately as possible and to the best of my ability. Some of my photos may be somewhat lighter or darker than actual to better show detail or color. However, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or with requests for additional pictures.

This piece dates to circa 1890s. It is in great original condition. Please look closely at the photos as they are an important part of my description of this item. I see no damage or signs of wear to any part of the case or the painting.

The music box seems to play fine when wound. One thing I will mention is that the open lattice work on the front of the case appears to have had a clear coating (possibly shellac) to the rear side originally and very little of this is remaining. This is barely noticeable to me but mentioned for the sake of total honesty. I doubt most people would even notice this.

There is also some slight tarnish or patina to the case. I have not tried to clean it. Please keep in mind these photos can be blown up at least 8-10 times normal, so anything you see will look 8-10 times larger in the photos than it really is. Please note: if you see a dark spot in the photos it is from my camera and is not a mark on the piece. It will be either just to the right of center towards the bottom or slightly above center on the right side of the photo.

The outer case is about 3.4375 (8.7 cm) top to bottom by about 3.125 (7.9 cm) left to right and is about 1.25 (4.8 cm) thick. About 5.625 ounces (162 grams). On heavier items I will also offer a less expensive option, if available. No International sales on this item.

The item "ANTIQUE BRONZE DORE MINIATURE HAND PAINTED PORTRAIT MADONNA REUGE MUSIC BOX" is in sale since Wednesday, September 14, 2016. This item is in the category "Antiques\Decorative Arts\Metalware". The seller is "rvhound" and is located in Middletown, Ohio.

This item can be shipped to United States.


Antique Bronze Dore Miniature Hand Painted Portrait Madonna Reuge Music Box