An extremely rare antique quadruple singing birds-in-cage, by Bontems,

 

Circa 1900,

 

Going-barrel movement,

 

The connoisseur's choice...

 

When wound and the start/stop lever actuated, each bird taking in turns to sing a segment of the continuous birdsong, moving beaks, heads and tailfeathers.

The beautiful central perched bird in blood red and white feathered plumage, a pair of green and the last base positioned bird in yellow, all naturalistic bodies with retained plumage, dark green base, under canted corner rectangular cage with large hoop and boss top, twin intermediate bands, on carved and gilt gesso base with floral swag appliqués, rosehead corners and twin moulded edges, raised on squat feet.

 

 

Point of interest -  

 

This is the model everybody wants, due to the very small numbers produced.  The bird song is split between all four birds with seamless perfection with no delay, no pauses, just sound, movement and joy. 

A antique to fully respect and to admire.