Antique French Two Singing Bird Automaton
Antique French Two Singing Bird Automaton
early 20th century, unmarked but very probably French, feathered birds, one upon a brass perch, fabric leaves, gilt brass cage, the base with applied rosettes, wooden underside with later rubber feet, birds not tested to either chirp or turn heads, lacking key winding mechanism.
18.75 x 9.5 x 9.5 in.
The mechanism is driven by a spring barrel which is wound by a key on the side. This mechanism makes the bellows, flutes and birds, causing the birds to move their beaks, tails and heads while appearing to chirp.
From the Collection of Patricia Ann Leahy, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com
Condition Report: Bird on perch has lost tail (present) and feet; leaves and fruit have fallen from the perch; lacking key to wind but not known to be working; losses to cage gilt.
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Antique French Two Singing Bird Automaton
early 20th century, unmarked but very probably French, feathered birds, one upon a brass perch, fabric leaves, gilt brass cage, the base with applied rosettes, wooden underside with later rubber feet, birds not tested to either chirp or turn heads, lacking key winding mechanism.
18.75 x 9.5 x 9.5 in.
The mechanism is driven by a spring barrel which is wound by a key on the side. This mechanism makes the bellows, flutes and birds, causing the birds to move their beaks, tails and heads while appearing to chirp.
From the Collection of Patricia Ann Leahy, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com
Condition Report: Bird on perch has lost tail (present) and feet; leaves and fruit have fallen from the perch; lacking key to wind but not known to be working; losses to cage gilt.
