Swiss Singing Bird Automaton in Tortoise Shell Box

This charming Swiss singing bird automaton comes housed in a beautiful tortoise shell box. Flip the switch on the front of the box and a colorful little bird, with real feathers, pops out of an engraved gilt brass cover. The bird also perches atop a gilt filigree platform. Nineteenth century London luxury goods retailer, Finnigans Bond St W, marketed this wonderful automaton.

The bird moves its wings, head, beak and tail feathers while singing a delightful tune. A spring wound clockwork mechanism drives the automation. Additionally, a series of cams, levers, wires and slide whistles govern the music. This singing bird box comes with a one year warranty.

Circa 1875

SOLD