French Double Singing Bird Cage Automaton
A delightful gem of antique automata, singing birds never fail to captivate. This fabulous French automaton from the late 1800s features two mechanically activated and singing birds. A crank wound and spring driven clockwork mechanism located in the base brings the birds to life. With a flick of a switch the two colorful birds begin their melody, turning their heads, moving their beaks, and wiggling tail feathers in time with their song. The birds reside within a gilded and domed circular cage upon a gilt wood base with a carved floral and scrollwork motif.
Singing birds remain among one of the most coveted and complex forms of automata. These incredible mechanical feats feature a series of cams and levers to control the movement, combined with a system of bellows to push air through slide whistles and create the realistic sounds.
This enchanting automaton has been fully restored, including hand feathering, and carries a one-year warranty.
21″ High x 11″ Diameter
Circa 1885