1900s Silver Figural Baseball Music Box

[ruth-gehrig]

SCP's version sold last month for $22,000
http://catalog.scpauctions.com/EXCEP...-LOT31617.aspx

While one sold on ebay last night for not quite $2300
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Fred...vip=true&rt=nc

Was SCP's selling price just the result of a ridiculous bidding war between 2 agressive bidders or did someone get a fantastic buy on eBay last night??

[MGHPro]

They've sold between 13000 and 30000 in major auctions . I was the under bidder and I was aware of what the last one sold for . Personally I think they were made much later than the early 1900s. I think they are from the 40's possibly 50's and that's why I couldn't commit myself to go any higher . I also think that many more will begin to surface . However , if you haven't seen one in person they are very impressive . Much bigger than you would expect . Congrats to whoever bought it though
Matt

[bobfreedman]

I was fortunate enough to be the high bidder. I was the underbidder in Legendary when it sold for $18k and dropped out in SCP's auction at $15k. I was very excited to win this at a relative bargain price. Now, to make sure the seller delivers....

[sporteq]

I don't recall the auction house, but about a two decades ago, they had the same music box putting the year in 1940s. Another auction house had it the 20s. Everyone else, puts the piece in the dead-ball era. Whatever the year it was produced, they still command big money.

what a good "buy!"

Albert

[sporteq]

Oh damn.. nice Bob!

Albert

[bgar3]

A very nice piece regardless of date. Perhaps the attached card with this one can help date it.

[murphusa]

Fred Zimbalist & Co was from Cleveland Ohio, it imported Thoren Music Boxes from Switzerland and encased them in etched silver and silver plated boxes that they had made in India. The company started in mid 1940’s and was sold in 2013

All of the boxes were handmade and no two were the same.

A similar music box was sold at auction on 3/7/2013 for $1,011.00, this box still played "Take me out to the Ballgame"

[bgar3]

I have passed onto Bob some information I obtained concerning these music boxes. I was told that these boxes were ordered from Zimbalist by the Cleveland Indians to award management and players for the 1948 championship. This seems to fit the right time period and I believe the story to be true. I will leave more details, if any, for Bob to fill in.

[ruth-gehrig]

Bob you must love your music box. These things are incredible stunning in person! Wow the detail! This one I was lucky to land has the 3 engraved players around the baseball.

[mjkm90]

Congratulations on a true baseball memorabilia treasure michael

I've admired Bobs and it's nice to see another board member find an example...well done!

[kdixon]

Nice pickup, congrats Michael.

[ruth-gehrig]

Thanks Mike and Kenny! Was real happy to add this piece and although I didn't get as good of deal as Bob, I couldn't be happier