Objects with musical mechanism and automaton

Singing bird box

    Singing bird box

    France

    20

    Brass, steel, feathers; engraving, gilding

    475 gr

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    Singing bird box in rectangular gilded metal case with rounded corners. An engraved curb of laurel leaves is along the top side perimeter. A narrow figured engraved frame with branches on a guilloche field is inside the curb. An oval convex lid with engraved image of three birds flying above the flowers is in the center. The images of plants and birds are covered with coloured gold coating and niello. A thin frame of laurel leaves surrounds the lid with polished inner side. Engraved images of narrow smooth medallions surrounded by flowers bouquets and acanthus leaves over guilloche field are on the lateral sides. The rear side hinges upwards, opening the snuff tobacco compartment. An oval smooth medallion in a paired engraved frame is on the bottom side, guilloched with wavy lines. A keyhole is on the edge of the medallion. A sliding switch of the singing bird movement is on the front panel right side. The lid automatically opens when the movement is activated. A miniature bird in painted feathers from beneath. It turns on the spot, flaps its wings, opens and locks the beak. The sound movement imitates the bird’s chirping. At the end of the program, the bird is hidden under the openwork gilded lattice and the lid is lowered.

    The key is from polished steel with a figured repousse grip.

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    Инв.3092/ДПИ