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Learn MoreSilver Double Singing Bird Box
- This exceptionally rare double bird box is a miniature mechanical wonder
- The presence of two singing birds makes this a unique treasure of ingenious engineering and design
- Each bird is incredibly complex, singing and moving its body, beak and wings
- Silver-gilt repoussé, pearls and green enamel beautifully enhance the opulent effect of this box
- Get complete item description here
$39,850
Item No.
31-9816
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Description
One of the rarest examples of a mechanical bird box, this extraordinary box features not one, but two brilliantly colored love birds crafted with genuine hummingbird feathers. When the lid is opened, the delightful pair begin to sing their sweet, melodious tune, with their bodies, wings and beaks in full motion. While the presence of two singing birds makes this an exceptional rarity, it is distinguished in all other respects as well. The sterling silver. . .
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One of the rarest examples of a mechanical bird box, this extraordinary box features not one, but two brilliantly colored love birds crafted with genuine hummingbird feathers. When the lid is opened, the delightful pair begin to sing their sweet, melodious tune, with their bodies, wings and beaks in full motion. While the presence of two singing birds makes this an exceptional rarity, it is distinguished in all other respects as well. The sterling silver casing is handsomely set with sea-foam green enamel, and the delicate birds are surrounded by silver-gilt repoussé and lustrous pearls. A graceful classical figure crafted of silver and bone holds an ornate pocket watch over the birds, a magnificent embodiment of time.
The complex mechanism at the center of this box has the amazing ability to successfully engage two independently moving birds within a casing typically designed for a single bird. The one-of-a-kind objet d'art was inspired by the mechanical complexity of 19th-century Swiss automata, and it represents the pinnacle of the art form. Mechanical singing bird boxes like this initially appeared in the 1780s as entertainment for royalty and wealthy noblemen, symbolizing sophistication and refinement.
Known as tabatiére in France (from the French word for tobacco, for they resemble tobacco or snuff boxes) these boxes reflect mankind's long fascination with birds. Since antiquity, the bird has been associated with the soul and spirit, a divine liaison between worldly pleasures and magical powers. During the 18th century, it became fashionable to own exotic birds as pets, creating a sharp rise in the number of imported birds into Europe from areas such as the Canary Islands. This, coupled with advancements in mechanical science, gave rise to the tabatiére. Today, these singing bird boxes continue to delight and are highly sought after by collectors.
This bird box comes complete with its fitted presentation box.
20th century
Bird box: 5 1/4" high x 5 1/4" wide x 5 1/2" deep
Presentation box: 6 1/4" high x 8 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep
The complex mechanism at the center of this box has the amazing ability to successfully engage two independently moving birds within a casing typically designed for a single bird. The one-of-a-kind objet d'art was inspired by the mechanical complexity of 19th-century Swiss automata, and it represents the pinnacle of the art form. Mechanical singing bird boxes like this initially appeared in the 1780s as entertainment for royalty and wealthy noblemen, symbolizing sophistication and refinement.
Known as tabatiére in France (from the French word for tobacco, for they resemble tobacco or snuff boxes) these boxes reflect mankind's long fascination with birds. Since antiquity, the bird has been associated with the soul and spirit, a divine liaison between worldly pleasures and magical powers. During the 18th century, it became fashionable to own exotic birds as pets, creating a sharp rise in the number of imported birds into Europe from areas such as the Canary Islands. This, coupled with advancements in mechanical science, gave rise to the tabatiére. Today, these singing bird boxes continue to delight and are highly sought after by collectors.
This bird box comes complete with its fitted presentation box.
20th century
Bird box: 5 1/4" high x 5 1/4" wide x 5 1/2" deep
Presentation box: 6 1/4" high x 8 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep
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Specifications
| Period: | 20th Century |
| Type: | Bird Boxes |
| Style: | Empire |
| Depth: | 5.5 in. (13.97 cm) |
| Width: | 5.25 in. (13.34 cm) |
| Height: | 5.25 in. (13.34 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
