French Singing Bird In Cage Automaton

Enjoy the sounds of a charming bird song with this beautiful French automaton. This enchanting piece features an animated bird resting on a perch adorned with lush foliage and carved jade leaves. Upon pushing a small lever in the base, the songbird begins to move and sing a delightful melody. Genuine bird feathers adorn this lovely little bird, who moves his beak, head, and tail feathers as he sings.

Singing birds remain among one of the most coveted and complex forms of automata. The mechanism features a series of cams and levers, as well as a system of bellows to push air through slide whistles to create the realistic sounds. A key wound and spring driven clockwork mechanism, located in the base, powers the animation and song.

The birdcage is crafted of brass and resides upon a carved and gilt wood base.

This automaton has undergone a full restoration and comes with a one year warranty.

Circa 1890

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