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Mandolin Singing Bird Automaton Music Box
- This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity
- The piece plays a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity
- Its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, animated, singing bird automaton
- Set in a stunning inlaid case with satinwood floral and musical motifs, the music box plays six airs
- Get complete item description here
$48,500
Item No.
29-1321
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Description
This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity. Not only does it play a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity, but its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, singing bird automaton. Set in a beautiful inlaid case with satinwood floral and musical motifs, the music box plays six airs, listed on the inside lid, producing a pleasing and cheerful “mandolin” sound on two combs. The. . .
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This exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity. Not only does it play a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity, but its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, singing bird automaton. Set in a beautiful inlaid case with satinwood floral and musical motifs, the music box plays six airs, listed on the inside lid, producing a pleasing and cheerful “mandolin” sound on two combs. The mechanical bird, set in a nest complete with tiny bird eggs, sings along while music box plays. His beak, wings, tail, head and body all move as he performs, as a grouping of levers between the combs controls his movements and the set of pipes produce his beautiful song. A rare improvement on the basic cylinder music box, the mandolin box achieved its melodious sound by having up to eight teeth on the comb tuned to each note, or to the tones used in the tunes played.
This type of music box was awarded a place in the International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, held by the United States Centennial Commission to celebrate the nation’s 100th birthday. The seal for this is displayed inside the lid, along with a second seal: “Wellausstellung 1875 Wien Franz. Joseph I. Kaiser Osterreich N. Konig V. Bohmen Etc. Apost. Konig Ungara.”
Circa 1875
30" wide x 15"deep x 14" high
Song List:
1. Le Juif errant. Valse by Burgmueller
2. Le Barbier de Seville by Rossini
3. La Gazza Cadra Ouverture by id.
4. The Mocking Bird
5. Rigoletto Coro nome by Verdi
6. L’Ombre. Quand je monte escotte by Flotow
This type of music box was awarded a place in the International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, held by the United States Centennial Commission to celebrate the nation’s 100th birthday. The seal for this is displayed inside the lid, along with a second seal: “Wellausstellung 1875 Wien Franz. Joseph I. Kaiser Osterreich N. Konig V. Bohmen Etc. Apost. Konig Ungara.”
Circa 1875
30" wide x 15"deep x 14" high
Song List:
1. Le Juif errant. Valse by Burgmueller
2. Le Barbier de Seville by Rossini
3. La Gazza Cadra Ouverture by id.
4. The Mocking Bird
5. Rigoletto Coro nome by Verdi
6. L’Ombre. Quand je monte escotte by Flotow
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Type: | Cylinder Music Boxes |
| Depth: | 15.0 in. (38.1 cm) |
| Width: | 30.0 in. (76.2 cm) |
| Height: | 14.0 in. (35.56 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
