A Rare Reuge Carousel — Onyx Cigarette Music Box (1960s) A splendid and elegant vintage carillon cigarette box (or lipstick holder) from the late 1960s, finely crafted in precious onyx with warm amber tones and natural veining, enriched with gold-tone metal details.
This extraordinary design object unites the Italian artisanal mastery of hardstone cutting with the legendary precision of Swiss micro-mechanics. It is an exceptionally rare version: unlike standard models that play a single tune, this example mounts a refined Reuge mechanism with two distinct melodies synchronized with the carousel movement.
A period piece of great charm and visual impact, perfect as a décor element for a classy living room, a study, or as a standout piece for collectors of high-end music boxes.
HOW THE MAGIC OF TWO MELODIES WORKS
The operation of this piece of vintage engineering is a true visual and auditory enchantment.
By winding the key on the base and pressing the side button, the carousel comes to life:
1. Opening Phase: The 6 central doors begin to open outward like a carousel, accompanied by the cheerful notes of the first melody: "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (Burt Bacharach, 1969).
2. Closing Phase: Once open, the doors pause for a few seconds, revealing the finely decorated internal compartments. Immediately after, the cylinder performs an automatic internal shift: the doors begin to close while the music box plays the second, romantic melody: "A Time For Us" (the love theme from Romeo and Juliet, 1968).
DETAILS
· Overall Height: 31.5 cm (12.4 inches)
· Base Diameter: 17 cm (6.7 inches)
· Onyx Body Diameter: 15 cm (5.9 inches)
· Weight: 3300 grams (3.3 kg) — a testament to the solidity and quality of the massive onyx used
· Main Material: Natural onyx and vintage gold/silver-tone metal
· Ornamental Details: Feet decorated with splendid classical mascheroni (faun/satyr faces) and a musical putto (lute player) on top serving as a knob
· Structure Manufacture: Made in Italy
· Movement: Swiss Reuge, two melodies
· Original Labels: Reuge label with the two melodies on the base, plus a separate "Made in Italy" label
CONDITION
Good vintage condition for its age. The musical mechanism and the automatic carousel opening/closing system are perfectly functional. The metals present a beautiful, light patina of time that attests to their authenticity and historical charm.
Please refer to the detailed photographs included in this listing, which show the actual condition of the piece from every angle.
PERFECT FOR
· Collectors of high-end Reuge music boxes
· Enthusiasts of Italian mid-century design and onyx objects
· Those seeking a rare, functional piece with dual melodies
SHIPPING
Express shipping with secure packaging.
Sold by MireilleBoutique
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