{"product_id":"lord-nelson-singing-bird-box-by-karl-griesbaum","title":"Lord Nelson Singing Bird Box by Karl Griesbaum","description":"Lord Nelson Singing Bird Box\u003cbr\u003e Karl Griesbaum\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2\" high x 3 3\/4\" wide x 5\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45350573375623,"sku":"32-2902","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2902_1.png?v=1785160925","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/lord-nelson-singing-bird-box-by-karl-griesbaum","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}