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Swiss Bird Box
- Mechanical wonder meets refined artistry in this exquisite singing bird box
- The case is fashioned from richly mottled tortoiseshell and engraved gilt brass
- The box opens to reveal a brightly feathered automaton bird that comes to life in a flurry of motion
- Mechanical singing bird boxes first appeared in the 1780s, created for royalty and Europe’s elite
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Circa 1880
Mechanical wonder meets refined artistry in this exquisite singing bird box, a captivating example of late 19th-century Swiss craftsmanship. The case, fashioned from richly mottled tortoiseshell, opens to reveal a brightly feathered automaton bird that comes to life in a flurry of motion. Its beak, wings and body move gracefully in concert with the sweet, warbling song produced by the internal barrel-wound mechanism.
The gilt brass lid, delicately. . .
Circa 1880
Mechanical wonder meets refined artistry in this exquisite singing bird box, a captivating example of late 19th-century Swiss craftsmanship. The case, fashioned from richly mottled tortoiseshell, opens to reveal a brightly feathered automaton bird that comes to life in a flurry of motion. Its beak, wings and body move gracefully in concert with the sweet, warbling song produced by the internal barrel-wound mechanism.
The gilt brass lid, delicately engraved with floral motifs and a pair of songbirds, reflects the artistry and romanticism that define the best examples of the genre. Mechanical singing bird boxes first appeared in the 1780s, created for royalty and Europe’s elite. These ingenious objects remain among the most enchanting symbols of luxury and mechanical artistry.
1 1/2" high x 3 7/8" wide x 2 3/4" deep
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | Switzerland |
| Type: | Bird Boxes |
| Depth: | 2.75 in. (6.99 cm) |
| Width: | 3.83 in. (9.72 cm) |
| Height: | 1.5 in. (3.81 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
