ANTIQUE PALAIS ROYAL SILVER & ENAMEL SINGING BIRD BOX

ANTIQUE PALAIS ROYAL SILVER & ENAMEL SINGING BIRD BOX

Circa 1925

Height: 2 inches / 5.1 cm
Width: 4½ inches / 11.4 cm
Depth: 2½ inches / 6.3 cm
Stock number: GD6435/0120 (OOS)
Price: £12,950

A very fine silver and blue full-enamelled body singing bird box, stamped and retailed by Le Palais Royal, Paris. This is probably by the maker F. Cattelin and is the first singing bird box I have seen with the Palais Royal stamp. The quality of the enamel is outstanding and is in perfect condition.When the start/stop slide is pulled out, the bird emerges through a pressed and pierced gilt grille, it then sings its lovely song whilst moving its beak, wings, tailfeathers and body from side to side.

F. Cattelin was one of several Swiss makers during the early 20th century. Never signing his work, we have to go on movement design and serial number make-up, but he was renowned for fine casework, usually in silver and enamel.