A silver singing bird box, by Karl Griesbaum

Circa 1925

Model number 1,

Going-barrel movement,

The perfect introduction to the work of Karl Griesbaum...

When wound and the bird-form actuation slide has been moved to the right, this bird makes his appearence by rising through the chased gilt grille, moving metal beak, wings, tailfeather and body from side-to-side to continuous synchronised birdsong. 

The bird with finely detailed banded feathered plumage in dark purple, green and orange with green iridescent highlights, in stylised serpentine-form silver case decorated with intertwining scrolls and leaves, rose-knot lid border, hidden key compartment to rear and underside with a scene of birds on flowering branch surrounded by further scrolls.

4in. wide, 2.3/4in. deep, 1.5/8in. high - (10.2 x 7 x 4.2cm)

Point of interest -

German silver singing bird boxes are typically bold in their design and heavy on their detail.  Griesbaum understood this and this model being the start of his extensive and wonderful catalogue of very different types, makes clear the important of making sure detail is kept fine, not overly heavy.  A reliable movement and a good case answers to the name of Karl Griesbaum.