A vintage gilt metal and filigree panel singing bird box, by Karl Griesbaum,
German
circa 1935
Model number 18
Going-barrel movement
The perfect singing bird box to gift to the one you love...
When wound and the gold bullion bar-form start/stop button slid to right, the lid opens as bird suddenly appears through pierced and chased gilt grille, moving polished metal beak, both wings, bobbing tailfeather and turning body from side to side, perfectly synchronised to the continuous birdsong, coming to an end when the bird disappears from view as lid closes.
The bird with black feathered plumage to wings and tailfeather, head, bib and back with bands of blue, green, red and fiery orange, lid interior to matt finish, in the very distinctive No. 18 case, with an abundance of filigree work to main lid, featuring slight domed bosses, scrolls and solid stars, all framed by a continuous band of cravat lace-folds and raised stylised serpentine edge, all sides with plain matt finish interrupted by twin bands of repeating flower head scrolls, plain underside bearing maker's mark and Made In Germany stamp.
size -
4in. wide, 2.3/4in. deep, 1.3/4in. high - (10 x 7 x 4.5cm)
Point of Interest -
Possibly one of the most recognisable 20th century-made singing bird boxes, this was the 18th model from the Karl Griesbaum catalogue presented to the world in 1928.
Filigree work is not the easiest medium to achieve, but here it has an excellent presence and covers pretty much the full main lid with complex geometric patterns and rising and falling profiles for the bigger effect.
A perfect 'starter' singing bird box for the avid appreciator or perhaps even that one off curio for the person who thinks they have everything, welcome to the Model 18's potential in hitting your brief on the head.