I adore this - it is the third Selcol item that I have had in my store - I have sold the other two items.
This is probably an item for the collector of vintage items relating to smoking or someone who collects vintage kitsch musical boxes. It is certainly a strange thing. Today it could also be used to pop lipsticks or similar items into the little storage sections on the interior instead of the cigarettes. It has not been used - so there is no tobacco smells etc inside!
You often find these musical boxes are damaged, lacking the tiny dancer or not working. My one is in excellent vintage condition and works perfectly. It is in remarkable condition for being about 70 years old.
The musical box was made in England in the 1950s by Selcol Products Ltd - they were much better known for their production slightly later in the 60s of "Beatles Guitars" in the same kind of cream colour hard plastic that this little musical box was made from. This iconic British company was formed in 1953 and closed production in 1968.
This music box is a hexagonal revolving musical cigarette dispenser made from injection moulded polystyrene. It has a Swiss-made musical movement in its base - the mechanical part work by turning the little metal key marked "Reuge" on the base. The box starts up by pressing the button on the front. It plays music - The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss.
Once activated, six doors pivot open to reveal moulded side pockets in each which hold the cigarettes and close again in the reverse direction. In the centre of the box is a little clear plastic drum which contains a tiny dancer in a red ballerina costume - she twirls around in time to the music and the doors moving.
The dispenser was available in a variety of colours. This example is cream with gold line decoration on the top and the six opening doors. The form of the box seems to be an Indian pavilion - suggested by the stepped base decoration on the base and the arabesque gold decoration on the roof and on the doors inside and out.
CONDITION. In the most excellent of condition with no damages or discolouration to the plastic. The musical mechanism works perfectly - the ballerina is not missing, and the doors rotate with ease. The only minor issue is a very tiny loss to wee sections of the gold decoration where the box has been picked up and put down over the last 70 years. You will not be disappointed with it.
I have taken lots of photographs for your inspection.
Please be careful not to overwind the musical mechanism!
Dimensions: the overall height is 7 inches. The height of the top drum section is 4 1/4 inches. The base is 6 inches in diameter and it is 3 inches in height.
There is a certain delicacy to this box - so sadly, I will be limiting it to UK posting only. I will be sending next-day special delivery to you so that the box is completely insured in transit. This will cost about £10 and applied to your order at the checkout.