In a case with inlaid banding on the lid and front, and decorative inlay of a musical motif on the lid, the keywind musical movement contains a 13"l. cylinder, a Forte (loud) comb of 84 notes and a Piano (soft) comb of 44 notes. The Forte-Piano system was designed to recreate the interplay between varying degrees of loud and soft(dynamics), a popular musical effect in symphonic and chamber works as well as operas. The loud and soft combs made it possible to repeat a musical passage in two modes, or to play a soft passage topped by powerful chord, or to return with the full force and effect of both combs playing a single passage. The 6-tune program on this musical box is tilted delightfully toward Rossini and Donizetti, including a piece from Donizetti's opera in two acts, Marino Faliero. Each of the tunes makes full use of the Forte-Piano musical technique. The box is marked with serial #28675 and Nicole Freres a Geneve, and the program label is attached. Circa 1850.