Myth has it that the first music box was designed for the amusement and entertainment of Marie Antoinette. History, on the other hand, reveals the availability of musical clocks constructed in the 16th century for royalty and the wealthy. The musical tones were derived by notching a revolving disc striking a single pin.

Marie Antoinette

The music box proper was introduced by Antoine Favre, a Swiss watchmaker, in 1796, enabling the middle class to dance and enjoy the popular music of the period in the privacy of their homes. The latter half of the 19th century rewarded the world with the enchanting melodies of the disc player, the predecessor of the contemporary phonograph, tapes and discs. These instruments were not only produced in Europe, but had great success by American manufacturers.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Reuge

Today, Reuge of St. Croix, Switzerland, is the only musical element manufacturer of consequence in Europe. No musical movements are currently developed in the United States.

Prior to World War II, the Japanese, not to be outdone, had developed exquisite clocks enriched with intricate musicals of their own design. Orpheus, an 80-note disc music box

In 1947, Rokuichi Yamada founded Sankyo Manufacturing Company, and imitating the Swiss, became the most prominent supplier of musicals in the east, rivaling the sound and quality of the best in Switzerland. Rokuichi Yamada