ANTIQUE BONTEMS SILVER GILT SINGING BIRD BOX

ANTIQUE BONTEMS SILVER GILT SINGING BIRD BOX

Circa 1890

Height: 1½ inches / 3.8 cm
Width: 3¾ inches / 9.5 cm
Depth: 2½ inches / 6.3 cm
Stock number: GD6096/0120
Price: £6950

An exceptionally fine all over engraved French silver gilt singing bird box, the case in the manner of Bruguier, but actually by Charles Jules Bontems. The silver gilt engraved case with canted corners, beautiful floral engraving to the top, front back and sides. A silk pattern to the base. The back of the case has a hinged compartment for key or snuff. The lid with two finely engraved birds. The bird is fully feathered with its original feathers.
The grille is beautifully cut and engraved. On pressing the operating lever to the right the lid opens and the bird pops up through the delicately worked silver gilt pierced grille and begins singing. At the same time he rotates 180 degrees backwards & forwards, opens and shuts his beak and flaps his wings. When he has finished he pops back into the case & the lid shuts.