Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Nativity Music Box
Artifact ID1981.30629.01
Object Type
Box, Music
Maker
Erzgebirge
(Germany)
Date
20th Century
Medium
Wood (balsa), Paint, Metal
Dimensions7 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (19.1 × 26.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionA light wood-toned music box with a nativity scene that rotates while the music plays. The base of the music box is decorated with a Middle Eastern cityscape painted on it. The top is made up of a building with three palm trees and a shooting star. Stationary against the building are Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus on one side, as well as a shepherd and two sheep on the other. Turning around them are the three wise men, a man with a camel and four soldiers with swords and spears.Historical NoteThere are two rotating wooden music boxes at the Reagan Library. Wooden music boxes go back to the 18th century in Germany. These two pieces, in addition to being beautiful examples of wood carving from the Erzgebirge region of Germany, are the only two pieces in the collection representing the German Democratic Republic, more commonly known as East Germany. The vast majority of the gifts to President Reagan were from the Federal Republic of Germany, or West Germany. The nativity scene music box was a gift to President Reagan for his inauguration.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related LinksMonday Minute: East Germany Music Boxes