This singing bird box is primarily brass with gilt. It is covered in flower, bird, and harvest designs with an oval lid on the surface. On the bottom is the winding key which, when wound and the bird-shaped switch on the front moved to the right, releases a bird from beneath it. The bird will flap its wings, open its beak, and move from side to side. A small compartment can be opened from the back.

Weight (lbs): 1.25
Height (In.): 1.5
Width (In.): 3.75
Depth (In.): 2.5
Size: 1.5 x 3.75 x 2.5
Maker: German
Material: Brass, Silver, Gilt
Date: 19th C.
Provenance:
Condition: There is some patination in addition to small losses to the gilt. The bellows need repair to let the bird sing once more, but the lid opens, closes, and allows the bird to dance and flaunt at time of description.
History: Singing Bird Boxes have been developed and improved upon since the 18th Century. Originally a Swiss device, created in Geneva, the popularity of it resulted in a widespread prevalence as a luxury good. The boxes consisted, in each iteration, of two main parts, the box and the clockwork. The box was typically an artistry piece made of precious metal, the clockwork was created as an inset to be fitted within the box after both had been completed separately. The box would be wound with a key, then a switch flicked to the right. This would result in the decorative bird popping from an oval recess in the lid and a bellows pushing air through a whistle, causing the bird to sing. Production of these boxes continues into the modern day, but their popularity has waned significantly.
Condition: There is some patination in addition to small losses to the gilt. The bellows need repair to let the bird sing once more, but the lid opens, closes, and allows the bird to dance and flaunt at time of description. History: Singing Bird Boxes have been developed and improved upon since the 18th Century. Originally a Swiss device, created in Geneva, the popularity of it resulted in a widespread prevalence as a luxury good. The boxes consisted, in each iteration, of two main parts, the box and the clockwork. The box was typically an artistry piece made of precious metal, the clockwork was created as an inset to be fitted within the box after both had been completed separately. The box would be wound with a key, then a switch flicked to the right. This would result in the decorative bird popping from an oval recess in the lid and a bellows pushing air through a whistle, causing the bird to sing. Production of these boxes continues into the modern day, but their popularity has waned significantly.