The Polyphon Kaliopé with bells is a mechanical musical automaton manufactured by one of Germany’s three largest makers of music boxes in the late 19th century.
The Polyphon operates on the principle of a metal disc with precisely crafted protrusions. As the disc rotates, these protrusions trigger hammers that strike the bells, creating clear and resonant melodies. While its mechanism shares similarities with traditional music boxes, it substitutes the typical prongs striking metal reeds with bells of various sizes, producing that distinctive harmonious and often ethereal sound.
In its heyday, these instruments were highly popular in restaurants, cafés, homes, and exhibition halls, providing elegant automated music without requiring a musician's presence. Truly a masterpiece of ingenuity from its era!