Saturday, March 30, 2013

5 Tips for Beginning A Music Box Collection

By Jenny Dobson


Music boxes, as we know them today have been around at least since the end of the 18th century. The finest artisans in Europe created them and brought music into family homes when there were really no other types of home entertainment. Music boxes performed the popular music of their day: songs from the opera, traditional songs and hymns. Because of their unique history and other reasons, collecting music boxes is a hobby greatly enjoyed for antique collectors. Some collectors like collecting a variety of boxes such as antique music boxes, inlaid music boxes, ballerina music boxes, and carousel music boxes. For those who are currently looking to begin collecting, here are five tips to assist in this process.

#1. Decide on a budget for yourself based on quality. You should decide how much you want to spend and how you would spend it based on quantity or quality. If you decide on quality, your collection should start off slowly and you should spend time deciding on whats best for your tastes.

#2: Be sure to buy pieces based on your personal tastes; not just as investments. The music boxes you collect should be based on this and will give your collection uniformity. Some people may only prefer rare music boxes or miniature pieces. Others collectors might prefer focusing on Regina's, disc boxes, objects d' art, or Stella's.

#3: Try starting a collection that's made up of many different kinds of music boxes. To not let your eyes get bored, this can be a great way of starting out. Try picking from a variety of boxes such as: Stella music boxes, polyphons, disc musical boxes or cylinder music boxes, etc... Just know that having a "hodge podge" pieces can be great!

#4: Set up a plan to developing your collection, and have goals. In doing this, it's much easier to take the right steps in making it happen. Take into account the space you're working with as well. If it's limited, you may have to be a bit creative with it especially if you're interested in larger boxes!

#5: When going to purchase a music box for your collection, always check for those things that demand immediate attention such as rust. If need be, restore it when you have the time and money. It is always a good rule of thumb to look carefully after all the music boxes you have in your collection.

Starting a music box collection can be a fun process. Whether you are collecting a antique music box, inlaid music box, carousel music box, ballerina music boxes, or other types of music boxes, follow these five tips and be on your way to starting an outstanding collection!.




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