Upon an ebonized wooden platform is an elaborate arrangement of gilded ormolu figurals including dove with wreath, leaves, flowers of various types and symbols, along with twelve mirrors of various shapes including a large central mirror with etched design. Posed upon the red tufted cushion in the center is a bridal coronet of wax orange blossoms and an exquisite carved bone hair ornament likely also worn by the bride on her wedding day. The arrangement also includes the bride's veil, wax orange blossom bouquets and silk ribbons. The original paper tune label on the underside lists two tunes, Loin du Pays and Noces de Jeannette, a particularly fitting song that translates as, The Wedding Day of Jeannette. The music is rich and melodious, and operates from keywind and lever at the side.
Historical References: The globe de mariee tradition was particular to France during the second half of the 19th century. The young betrothed couple were gifted with the glass dome in which they could choose rich gold-plated designs that would symbolize their dreams of the future, the dove, for example, a symbol of harmony in the home. After the wedding the bride's coronet and bouquet were added, along with other personal mementoes. The addition of a musical box was a luxury detail that appeared in these globes only on rare occasions. Circa 1890.