Regina Disc Music Box Value Guide

Antique 19th C. REGINA Victorian Mahogany Table Top Music ...
Regina Disc Music Box
Estimated Value
$7,200 – $7,900
Period
1895-1900
Origin
United States
Materials
Mahogany, steel, brass, lithographed paper
Category
Music box

The Regina Music Box Company dominated the American market between 1892 and 1920, capturing up to 90 percent of sales with their superior mechanical movements. This 15.5-inch double-comb model is highly prized for its rich, orchestral resonance and represents the pinnacle of late 19th-century mechanical entertainment before the rise of the phonograph.

What Is Regina Disc Music Box Worth?

The typical price range for Regina Disc Music Box is $7,200 - $7,900 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Mechanical condition of the double combs, specifically checking for any broken or repaired teeth which significantly impact sound quality.
  • The presence and condition of the original lithographed artwork inside the lid and the integrity of the mahogany wood inlays.
  • The quantity and condition of original steel discs included with the unit, as rare titles can increase the overall set value.
  • The functional state of the winding mechanism and the consistency of the playback speed during operation.

How to Identify Regina Disc Music Box?

  • Verify the presence of the 'Regina' trademark logo, often accompanied by a lithographed paper scene on the interior lid.
  • Check for the double-comb arrangement, which features two sets of tuned steel teeth positioned to play simultaneously for enhanced volume.
  • Examine the mahogany cabinet for authentic late-Victorian era wood inlays and the specific 15.5-inch disc diameter compatibility.
  • Look for the serial number stamped on the bedplate, which can help date the unit to the 1895-1900 production window.

History of Regina Disc Music Box

Founded in 1892 in New Jersey, the Regina Music Box Company imported mechanical movements from the Swiss firm Polyphon before manufacturing its own. For over a decade, Regina dominated the American market, accounting for 80 to 90 percent of music box sales. The 15.5-inch double-comb model was their most popular offering, renowned for its rich, orchestral tone and reliable mechanism until the phonograph rendered disc players obsolete in the early 1900s.

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