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Lord Nelson Singing Bird Box by Karl Griesbaum
- This singing bird box honors Lord Nelson, one of Britain's greatest naval heroes
- The automaton takes the form of a silver book with hand-painted portrait of the Admiral
- The masterpiece is attributed to the renowned firm of Karl Griesbaum
- Get complete item description here
$34,500
Item No.
32-2902
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Description
Lord Nelson Singing Bird Box
Karl Griesbaum
Circa 1930
Honoring one of Britain's greatest naval heroes, this rare German singing bird automaton takes the form of an elegant silver book with a finely hand-painted portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson. Attributed to the renowned firm of Karl Griesbaum, it conceals a beautiful mechanical bird beneath the oval portrait medallion, which springs to life with the pull of a catch. This remarkable automaton exemplifies the artistry. . .
Karl Griesbaum
Circa 1930
Honoring one of Britain's greatest naval heroes, this rare German singing bird automaton takes the form of an elegant silver book with a finely hand-painted portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson. Attributed to the renowned firm of Karl Griesbaum, it conceals a beautiful mechanical bird beneath the oval portrait medallion, which springs to life with the pull of a catch. This remarkable automaton exemplifies the artistry. . .
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Lord Nelson Singing Bird Box
Karl Griesbaum
Circa 1930
Honoring one of Britain's greatest naval heroes, this rare German singing bird automaton takes the form of an elegant silver book with a finely hand-painted portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson. Attributed to the renowned firm of Karl Griesbaum, it conceals a beautiful mechanical bird beneath the oval portrait medallion, which springs to life with the pull of a catch. This remarkable automaton exemplifies the artistry that made Griesbaum the foremost producer of singing bird automata in the 20th century.
Fashioned as a richly jeweled leather-bound book, the silver case is decorated with vibrant polychrome enamel, simulated clasps and green cabochon hardstones. Pulling the catch opens the oval lid, allowing the multicolored feathered bird to emerge through a pierced gilt grille. As it sings, the bird turns its head while moving its beak and wings with astonishing realism before disappearing beneath the grille at the conclusion of its melody. The portrait of Lord Nelson is based on the celebrated 1797 likeness by Lemuel Francis Abbott, one of the most iconic images of the famed admiral.
Founded in Triberg in Germany's Black Forest in 1905, Karl Griesbaum became the premier maker of singing bird automata during much of the 20th century. Inspired by an antique Swiss singing bird box, Griesbaum refined the complex mechanisms into some of the finest musical automatons ever produced, creating bird boxes, cages and whistling figures prized for their exceptional realism. Book-form examples such as this are among the firm's most distinctive creations, while the portrait of Lord Nelson suggests it was likely commissioned for an English client as a symbolic gesture of peace in the years between the First and Second World Wars.
2" high x 3 3/4" wide x 5" deep
Karl Griesbaum
Circa 1930
Honoring one of Britain's greatest naval heroes, this rare German singing bird automaton takes the form of an elegant silver book with a finely hand-painted portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson. Attributed to the renowned firm of Karl Griesbaum, it conceals a beautiful mechanical bird beneath the oval portrait medallion, which springs to life with the pull of a catch. This remarkable automaton exemplifies the artistry that made Griesbaum the foremost producer of singing bird automata in the 20th century.
Fashioned as a richly jeweled leather-bound book, the silver case is decorated with vibrant polychrome enamel, simulated clasps and green cabochon hardstones. Pulling the catch opens the oval lid, allowing the multicolored feathered bird to emerge through a pierced gilt grille. As it sings, the bird turns its head while moving its beak and wings with astonishing realism before disappearing beneath the grille at the conclusion of its melody. The portrait of Lord Nelson is based on the celebrated 1797 likeness by Lemuel Francis Abbott, one of the most iconic images of the famed admiral.
Founded in Triberg in Germany's Black Forest in 1905, Karl Griesbaum became the premier maker of singing bird automata during much of the 20th century. Inspired by an antique Swiss singing bird box, Griesbaum refined the complex mechanisms into some of the finest musical automatons ever produced, creating bird boxes, cages and whistling figures prized for their exceptional realism. Book-form examples such as this are among the firm's most distinctive creations, while the portrait of Lord Nelson suggests it was likely commissioned for an English client as a symbolic gesture of peace in the years between the First and Second World Wars.
2" high x 3 3/4" wide x 5" deep
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Specifications
| Period: | 20th Century |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Type: | Bird Boxes |
| Depth: | 5.0 in. (12.7 cm) |
| Width: | 3.75 in. (9.53 cm) |
| Height: | 2.0 in. (5.08 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
