The first simple musical movements were found in watches made in Switzerland in the 16th century and the invention of the first true music box in 1796 is credited to Antoine Favre, a Swiss watchmaker.

Music boxes were produced in both disc and cylinder models. The cylinder type employs a cylinder with tiny pins that lift the teeth in the comb of the music box (producing a sound much like many individual tuning forks), and music results. The value of a cylinder music box depends on the length and diameter of the cylinder, the date of its manufacture, the number of tunes it plays, and its manufacturer. Nicole Freres, Henri Capt. LeCoultre, and Bremond are among the most highly regarded, and the larger boxes made by Mermod Freres are also popular Examples with multiple cylinders, extra instruments (such as bells or an organ section), and those in particularly ornate cabinets or with matching tables bring significantly higher prices. While smaller cylinder boxes are still being made, the larger ones (over 10" cylinders) typically date from before 1900.

Disc music boxes were introduced about 1890, but were replaced by the phonograph only twenty-five years later. However, during that time hundreds of thousands were made. Their great advantage was in playing inexpensive interchangeable discs, a factor that remains an attraction for today's collector as well. Among the many names involved in the production of the disc music box, perhaps the best known are Symphonion, Polyphon and Regina. Symphonion and Polyphon were German companies, while Regina was based in the United States. Relative values are determined by the size of the discs they play, whether they have single or double combs, if they are upright or table models, and how ornate their cases are. Especially valuable are those that play multiple discs at the same time or are incorporated into tall case clocks.

Many collectors agree that the Regina disc music box has the best sound of all. Also, the cabinets in which the mechanisms are housed are beautifully crafted and styled. The company was established in 1892, when Polyphon's founder, Gustave Brachhausen went to the United States to found the Regina Music Box Company in Jersey City. Polyphon supplied parts and discs that were assembled in America and marketed by Regina. Eventually, however, an increasing number of discs and mechanisms were made at the Jersey City factory. However, by 1903 the competition from disc phonographs was beginning to have its effect and in 1922 the company went bankrupt.

Unlike many manufacturers of disc music boxes, Regina kept detailed records of styles, serial numbers, dates of manufacture, making it possible for collectors to be able to accurately identify the provenance of the company's machines.

During the 19th century, musical mechanisms were placed in footstools, trivets, kitchen utensils, Christmas tree stands, lamps, humidors, cigarette cases, and opera glasses. Photograph albums with musical movements were very popular from c.1880 to the end of the century the mechanism was wound by a key or pull string, and the music played when the album was opened. Many candy or serving dishes have been made with musical movements mounted in the lid or the base. Mechanisms have been placed in teapots which are either played by winding the music and letting it play through or by an on/off trigger that allows the music to play only when the teapot is lifted.

Many of the makers of disc music boxes incorporated their mechanisms into hall clocks and cylinder music boxes. have been incorporated into pocket watches and pocket watch cases. Swiss chalet jewelry boxes seem to have been popular subjects for musical movements and many are still being made. Other, more recent examples of items containing mechanical movements are note pad holders, beer cans, dust pans, watering cans, Christmas ornaments, greeting cards and even bathroom fixtures.

The finest action musicals were made in and around Paris in the latter half of the 19th century, where manufacturers such as Theroude, Decamps, Lambert and Vichy relied on the skills of hundreds of outworkers. The musical movements, however, were often Swiss-made. These movements were concealed in a landscape base or, sometimes, in the body of the automaton. Among the figures that were made were dolls monkeys, jesters and children. These pieces are rare and expensive.

Thousands of music boxes were made before World War I and there is a large range to choose from, covering a wide range of prices. If you are buying an antique music box, be on the lookout for good movements and cases. The better movements have between 28 and 144 notes, compared with the cheaper models, which have between 12 and 18. Reuge Company, based in Switzerland, offers a wide range of music boxes that are being made today. These are easy to acquire and eventually will become the collector's items of tomorrow.

Prior to World War II, the Japanese, not to be outdone, had developed exquisite clocks enriched with intricate musicals of their own design. In 1947, Rokuichi Yamada founded Sankyo Manufacturing Company, and imitating the Swiss, became the most prominent supplier of musicals in the east, rivaling the sound and quality of the best in Switzerland.

There are several companies producing novelty musical boxes today. Enesco Company produces some unusual music boxes which include a turn-of-the century Ferris wheel and a revolving gazebo. They also manufacture channing Christmas collectibles.