Reginaphone Floor Model Music Box and Phonograph Combination
Decorative art, antique mechanical musical instrument and furniture • Manufactured by the Regina Music Box Company, Rahway, New Jersey
Style & Movement
Edwardian / Arts and Crafts / Transitional Victorian furniture style with carved lion mask cabriole supports
Medium & Technique
Quarter-sawn oak cabinet, carved wood, cast iron and nickel-plated metal mechanical components, transfer decal lettering
Creation Period
Circa 1905 to 1915
Dimensions & Format
Floor model cabinet, approximately 40 to 48 inches in height, 20 to 24 inches in width and depth
Subject Description
A floor-standing music box and phonograph combination featuring a distinctive quarter-sawn oak wooden cabinet, hinged lid with prominent 'REGINAPHONE' decal, exposed interior mechanical bed with a comb and cylinder or disc-playing mechanism setup, metallic tone arm, and carved lion head embellishments on the front cabriole legs.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The wooden cabinet shows a rich patina with minor surface scuffs and wear consistent with age, while the interior metal components appear intact but may require professional mechanical servicing.
Estimated Market Value
2500 USD to 5000 USD
Auction Estimate
2000 USD to 4000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired new by a middle-to-upper-class household during the height of the mechanical music craze in the early 20th century, descending through private family collections or antique dealerships.
Art Historical Significance
Represents a fascinating transitional era in home entertainment before electronic amplification, combining the traditional mechanical music box technology with the emerging cylinder and disc phonograph market pioneered by the Regina Company.
Notable Features
Distinctive large 'REGINAPHONE' transfer logo on the interior lid, highly figured quarter-sawn tiger oak grain, and elaborate carved lion mask details on the front legs.
Condition Issues
Potential dust accumulation in the mechanical bed, possible drying of the wood finish, minor surface scratches on the cabinet exterior, and untested operational status of the spring motor and sound reproduction components.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean the wooden surfaces gently using professional micro-crystalline wax or furniture polish suitable for antiques. Have a specialist in antique mechanical music boxes service the spring motor, governor, and soundbox without altering original patinas.