Single automaton “Singing Bird” in a cylindrical cage with pearl belts on a repoussed pedestalSold

The automaton is made in the form of a cylindrical domed cage made of smooth gilded rods with wide belts decorated with pearl (beaded) decor - the hallmark of Griesbaum cells; the finish is a polished ball with a horizontal ring. The cage sits on a round plinth with a repoussed floral frieze (rosettes and garlands) between pearl sashes and a profiled flared foot. The bottom of the cage is covered with scarlet velvet.
In the center there is a brass crossbar on a stand, entwined with a silk “hawthorn” branch with carved green leaves and red “berries”. On the crossbar there is a mechanical singing bird with plumage made of natural feathers of a spectacular iridescent color: green-metallic head and throat, turquoise “epaulets”, chestnut-brown wings with white strokes, black tail; a yellow glass eye with a dark pupil, a dark horny beak open in a singing pose. Dating to the early period of the workshop (before 1930) is confirmed by the technology of mounting the bird: a genuine iridescent feather of the hummingbird type, the use of which was subsequently prohibited by protective regimes (CITES, 1975), and taxidermy scaly feet, firmly wrapped around the perch - in contrast to the molded plastic feet and plastic bodies of birds that appeared in the company's products with 1960s.
The mechanism is classic for Griesbaum: a spring drum with a package of cams on brass plates, a bellows with a reed whistle; when launched, the bird demonstrates the fast, lively movements characteristic of the workshop - turns of the head, fluttering of the wings and tail, work of the beak - and a thin, high-pitched “singing”.
Historical background
Karl Griesbaum (1872–1941) founded the company in 1905 and became the dominant manufacturer of singing bird automata in the 20th century, operating until 1988. The workshop's first cages were square with a gilded wooden base and a single bird; subsequently larger cylindrical cells were produced, including those with rich repoussed pedestals, as in our case.
Condition
Item in excellent condition:
Cage and pedestal: bright, even gilding; pearl belts and repousse without loss.
Bird: iridescent plumage preserved, rich color; the original paws and beak are intact; slight ruffle of the pen.
Floral and velvet: silk leaves and “berries” preserved, with minor fading; scarlet velvet bottom - without loss.
Mechanism: serviced, in working order.