Antique Double singing birds-in-cage, most probably Bontems


 

A Large antique double singing birds-in-cage, most probably by Bontems,

 

Circa 1900

 

When two is better than one, it has to be Bontems...

 

When wound and start/stop actuated, the red plumaged bird on brass T perch, takes turns to sing continuous birdsong.

 

With ground perched blue and cream feathered bird, moving naturalistic beaks, heads and tailfeathers, trailing ivy decoration under circular domed brass cage with hoop and boss top, pressed metal base with trumpet flower detail, crank and start/stop to side.

 

Point of interest -

The birdsong here is very loud and bright - helped in part by the amount of metal between the movement and the case, creating a soundboard.  These metal cage bases are just as collectable as gilt gesso examples, with the only real difference being the original use position at the time it was made.  Metal for public places, gilt gesso for private dwellings.

STOCK No1378
AVAILABILITYSold
PRICESold
Your name
Your email address
Message
 
Other Items Which May Interest You
 
 
Palais Royal musical double inkwell, modeled as an early Venetian gondolaAntique Silver-gilt and mottled green agate mounted musical harpAntique Pictorial enamel and underbelly-cut tortoiseshell singing bird boxSilver-gilt and painted porcelain-bossed singing bird box, by B. F. of GermanyAntique Tortoiseshell singing bird box, by Bontems,Sterling silver gilt, pictorial and enamel singing bird box with timepiece, movement by C. H. MargueratAntique Tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl inlaid singing bird boxVintage Art-Nouveau silver gilt, cloisonné enamel and garnet-set singing bird boxDancing Bear Automaton