Family photo albums containing a music box existed in well to do homes of the 19th century. The Albums were hard covered in leather with gold adornments. The album generally contained black and white portrait photographs and in wealthier homes hand coloured portraits as well. The music box was concealed in the rear cover under a see through lid and the mechanism was wound with a small key through the rear of the back cover. The mechanism was usually operated by the clasp that held the album closed. Lift the clasp and open the album and the music would play. Close the album and secure the clasp and the music would stop. The more elaborate albums had floral adornments on the photo pages and gold trim. Most of the good music box manufacturers offered photo albums in their catalogues.
