| A late 19th Century Swiss singing bird in a lacquered and gilt metal box. Singing bird mechanism with going barrel wound by key below the box. Small bellows mechanism providing air to a variable whistle operated by a system of cams and levers. A slide at the front of the box is moved
across to start the bird singing. The engraved oval lid rises and a bird appears, turning from side to side, flapping its wings and moving its beak. The song lasts for about 10 seconds after which the bird falls backwards and the lid closes. Rectangular gilt metal box lacquered on all sides standing on four bun feet. The gilt oval lid is engraved with a representation of a bird and the four sides decorated with inlaid engraved gilt panels. Silvered
key in the shape of a bird.
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