#1 • Antique Olympia 20½″ Disc Music Box

Part of 03/22/26 Antique Treasures & Vintage Collectibles Kalaheo (Kauai) Part 1 Auction (timed auction by Malama Auctions & Realty)

High bid $950.00

Status: Sold

A rare Antique Olympia 20½-inch Disc Music Box, an eye-catching late 19th / early 20th-century mechanical music box in a tall, intricately turned and carved wood case. The cabinet features a spindled gallery top with decorative finials, fluted columns, and molded panel details typical of high-end music box cabinetry from the era. Inside the upper playing compartment is space for the mechanism and multiple metal playing discs, while the lower door houses the included set of approximately 35 metal discs sized for the 20½″ movement. Mechanical / Condition Notes: This example is offered as a project; the music box is not in working condition and will require repair, restoration, and possibly replacement parts to function. The internal mechanism is present but incomplete and not currently operational. The large metal discs have perforations (tune sheets) for playing music on disc-operated music boxes, but many may need cleaning or straightening. A label inside provides tuning and maintenance directions. Exact parts needed are unknown and should be determined by a qualified restorer. Historical & Collector Context: Disc-operated music boxes like this were produced in the United States in the late 1800s to early 1900s and represent the pinnacle of pre-phonograph automatic music entertainment. The 20½″ size is significantly rarer and larger than more common Regina or Symphonion machines, and Olympia/ Criterion machines of this size are highly sought after by collectors when complete and functional.