Types of Small Music Boxes
Not only do music boxes come in many different styles and are made out of a variety of materials, they also come in varying sizes that range from large compartmented music boxes to miniature and small music boxes. Pocket watches and pendants are examples of small music boxes. For the most part when thinking about pocket watches or pendants that are worn on a chain, the assumption would be that these are jewelry items but in the world of music boxes, these pieces have also been crafted into small music boxes utilizing Swiss and Japanese movements.
Examples of Small Music Boxes
One of the smallest actual music boxes in the world is a miniature music box in silver measuring 3.2 x 2.8 x 1.8 cm. This tiny music box has a 17-note movement, contains one cylinder and plays one tune. It is a true music box and has no space for storage. Other types of cases used for containing small music boxes include those made of different types of wood such as oak and depending on the music boxes dimensions, may or may not have space for jewelry. Along with the wooden music boxes, some styles of crystal music boxes fall into the small music boxes category.
Pocket Watches
There are several factors involved when selecting a pocket watch which includes whether it’s to be made of gold or silver casing, the overall look of the outside of the watch as well as the face of the watch and determining how well will the watch keep time. With the availability of pocket watches that are also small music boxes, the choices to be made increase. Not only must a musical selection be chosen, but also the actual decorative features of the pocket watch must be considered. Many of the pocket watches that are small music boxes depict specific scenes on the dial of the watch. The dial background can also be in color such as blue enamel, for example.
Pendants
Pendants or lockets are also available that have been crafted with small music boxes inside the casing. When the pendant is opened, the music plays. Many of these pendants are crafted in sterling silver and worn with an appropriate chain. Hand-crafted pendants with small music boxes are also available in a cameo motif. In many cases when selecting a musical pendant there is a list of musical selections available so an appropriate tune can be chosen. Vintage musical pendants may be attached to a brooch versus a chain.
