German Exquisite & Historically Rare Singing “Hummingbird” Gilt Silver .935 Box with Carved Ivory, Canary Yellow Guilloché & Hand Made Musical Bellows C.1900-1910

Impeccable German turn of the century (C. 1900-1910)  automated “singing hummingbird” gilt silver (.935) box, with carved ivory & canary yellow guilloche. A center medallion, on the top of the box, has carved ivory birds, and lifts up when the mechanism is triggered by an ivory push-button on the case.  The trigger enables the lid to open and reveal a small singing bird, with shimmering colours (covered with real hummingbird feathers).  The “hummingbird”  articulates its head and flaps its wings while playing a melodious song. Each top corner has a silver “rosette” that is a removable anchor or screw that allows the box mechanism to be accessed. The top and sides are guilloche in a sunny “canary yellow” and trimmed in gilt silver with raised elegant ivory corner rounds as feet.

 A winding key, with a bird silhouette cut out just adds to the wonder and curiosity of this musical art piece. Housed inside the body tiny bellows push air through an automated slide whistle which produces the complex little tune.  The mechanism was made by hand in Germany and is completely mechanical without any use of speakers or electronics. Impressed German manufacturer’s mark to base.

 A truly fascinating hand made musical bird box made with luxurious materials, a meticulous design and a historical musical mechanism. A rare treat for guaranteed conversation.

Dimensions: width 4.5″ x depth 3.0″ x height 2.25″