I recently found a musical box with the name "ALDER" stamped on the
comb and a serial number: 1135.  I have never seen this name before
and I don't find it in any good books nor in MMD Archives.

A contact with a collector in Geneva brings a beginning of information.
In the City Archives he found two old advertisements and a contract
where this name appears.

In the first advert, Ferd (Ferdinand) Alder talks about his work and
the many medals that he received for tools related to mechanics.  One
can clearly read, "Tools for watches, jewelry and musical pieces."

In the second ad, we can now read, "Alder and his sons" and a year of
creation: 1854.  This ad appeared in the Swiss "Journal de l'Horlogerie",
July 1892.

And in the contract, an amazing document dated 8 November 1876, is
reference to the dissolution of a business society under the name of
Alder and Rivenc.

According to the handwritten note by Mr. Germain, the author of the
background on music boxes which is in the City Archives, David Rivenc
cited in the letter could be the father of Ami Rivenc!

Between David Rivenc Paquet, manufacturer of spiral, on the one hand,
and Mr. Ferdinand Alder, mechanic, on other hand, both residing in
Geneva, it was agreed that:

  1. The manufacturing company that existed between the parties under
  the name of Alder and Rivenc is declared dissolved;

  2. David Rivenc, liquidator, is appointed only with the broadest
  powers according to law and custom;

  3. The accounts of the parties are reserved for later [to be] settled
  amicably or by experts.

  Done and signed at Geneva in duplicate October 28, 1876.

So with this musical box, we can also prove that Alder tried to become
a manufacturer of music boxes and did not remain only a tool maker.

Considering that the mentioned musical box is the only one(?) discovered,
it must not have been a highly commercial success!

I'm very interested to learn if there are other surviving boxes by this
maker "ALDER".

Jean-Marc Lebout
Belgium