Germany, Triberg

circa 1925

"Karl Griesbaum" Company

Silver, tortoise, metal, painted bird's feathers; gold plating, punch work, filigree work

4.6 х 9.6 х 11.3 cm, 527 gr

Box with a singing bird is made in the form of a book with cover and backbone. It is decorated with painted enamel, punched floral pattern and filigree onlays with inserts made of turquoise. The front and side surfaces look like the book pages. A miniature movement operated by a spring is mounted inside the jewellery-box. The movement is started by the round head lever, which is located on the right side of the case. An oval lid, which hides the bird, is in the centre of the upper side. The lid internal side is mirror-polished, the enamelled image of a bouquet of flowers is on external side. When the movement is started, the lid hinges upwards and a bird in colourful feathers appears from under it. The bird turns from side to side, waves the wings, opens and closes the beak. The bird’s chirping can be heard. Several seconds later the bird stops and hides. The lid goes down. The movement is made as per the scheme developed in Switzerland in 1895.The movement is cam-controlled, with one whistle and air bellows.