Germany, Triberg, Pforzheim

circa 1960

Mechanism is made by "Karl Griesbaum" company, the body - by Brenk Emil company

Silver, brass, steel, painted birds' feathers; punch work, chamfer enamel, painted enamel

4.8 x 10.6 x 7.3 cm, 546 gr

Latin letters "EB" in oval and inscription "METALL"

Singing bird box in rectangular yellow metal case with complicatedly profiled of sides. Enamel flower ornament on blue background in punched vignette is on the top side. An oval lid with an image of pastoral scene is in the center. The side surfaces are decorated with punched patterns along the perimeter. The bottom surface is smooth, polished, with thin punched pattern in the form of a double frame, with a keyhole. A miniature movement is mounted inside the box. Movement activating lever is on the case front side. When the movement is started, the lid hinges upwards and the bird in colourful plumage appears from under it. The bird turns from side to side, waves its wings, opens and closes the beak. The chirping is heard. Several seconds later the bird stops and hides. The lid goes down. The movement was constructed as per the scheme developed in 1895 in Switzerland. The movement is a cam-controlled automated device with one whistle and air bellows.