Music Box Companies - manufacturers of these musical wonders

What are the most famous music box companies? Where do they come from, these little marvels of music and hand-created artisanship?

A hundred years before radio, MTV and iPods, music box manufacturers were enchanting the world with not very large miracles in a box. Beautiful to behold, mesmerizing to watch, and amazing in musical details, these little boxes were - and still are- the ultimate in heirloom gifts that will delight generations to come.

Companies that first manufactured music boxes

The original pioneers of music box companies are reputed to be European, particularly German, Swiss and Bavarian artistry. These original antique boxes now sell on eBay and in private estate sales for as much as $4,000. Owning an intact antique music box is the equivalent of owning a vintage Rolls Royce or cloisonné vase from the early Orient.

Fortunately, today's recent music box manufacturers take great pride in duplicating the craftsmanship and exquisite details of the manufacturers of the early 1800's. Carrying lines of current-themed boxes as well as undying classics, the music box masters of today continue to produce achingly beautifully looking heirlooms with precious, intricate carvings combined with long-established musical classics and present melodies destined for greatness.

Music Box Companies - American, German and Swiss

The maker of the first music box in Europe has faded into legend, although there several speculations about their original origin. What is known is that the first music box company in America, the revered Regina Company, manufactured the first American-designed music box in Rahway, New Jersey about a hundred years ago. As time goes, American artists joined the European masters in carving magnificent and captivating creations in wood, stone, metal and now more modern materials such as clear acrylics. In music box manufacturers of renowned repute, no part of the box is entirely mass-made excluding minor accessories prefer winding keys and the cloth lining. Otherwise, the constructing of the music box is accomplished by hand, down to the coordination of the music-creating elements.

Many music box manufacturers focus exclusively on a special type of box, like Thomas Kincaid, Victorian Trolley, White Christmas, Queen Anne Victorian, Mr. Christmas, and Van Gogh's Starry Night series all center around Christmas, the era of Queen Victoria, and Impressionist painting. The Irish Blessing business uses traditional motifs of leprechauns, roses and shamrocks, along with such tunes as "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," "Danny Boy," and "My Wild Irish Rose." It is possible even discover a striking Renoir La Loge music box designed from mahogany, black finish, varnish, and gold risers imported from Italy!

Other music box companies may develop boxes in a series, but as well design other types of boxes with differing styles of music. For example, The Elegant Music Box made a series of animal-themed music boxes with river otters, sea turtles, butterflies and hummingbirds. Nevertheless, they also produce Mothers' Day boxes and boxes made with soothing melodies for infants. The Maine Music Box Company produces a vast array of box designs and melodies as does the San Francisco Music Box Manufacturer on the other side of the continent.

From the whimsical to the spiritual, music box manufacturers have a rich history of producing wonderful and soothing works of art, suitable for several rooms in your home, and for truly lasting gifts.