Single automaton “Singing Bird” in a cylindrical cage with pearl beltsSold

The automaton is made in the form of a cylindrical domed cage made of smooth gilded rods with chased belts and branded pearl (beaded) belts on a pedestal - the hallmark of Griesbaum’s products. The dome is completed with a polished ball with a movable ring-handle on an engraved rosette. The round pedestal is decorated with a repoussed floral garland frieze between pearl sashes and a profiled flared foot; at the base there is a start-stop engine, on the bottom board there is a sound window with a mesh.
The bottom of the cage is covered with pink quilted velvet; in the center there is a brass crossbar entwined with a silk ivy branch with leaves and “berries”. On the crossbar there is a mechanical singing bird with plumage made of natural feathers of a spectacular “heraldic” color: a gray head with a black “mask” and throat, a crimson-red “shirtfront” on a white chest, brown wings with red mirrors; a yellow glass eye with a dark pupil, the beak is open in a singing pose. The plastic surgery of the head demonstrates Griesbaum’s signature technique—the beak forms a single continuation of the line of the forehead; The figure is mounted on twisted wire legs, characteristic of the early period of the workshop.
Labeling and attribution
On the bottom plate there is the workshop mark: “K.‑G” with crossed hammers and the stamp “Made in Germany” - the export marking of Karl Griesbaum, documented on similar products. The combination of features—pearl belts, twisted wire paws, a beak that is an extension of the head—attributes the object to the early period of production.
Condition
The item is in good preservation, with traces of noble aging:
Cage and pedestal: gilding with light patina and spot darkening; rods without deformations; repousse and pearl belts are preserved.
Bird: the plumage is preserved, the “heraldic” color is clearly readable; feather wear on the head and wings; the eye and beak are intact.
Floral and velvet: silk ivy faded to olive; the pink quilted velvet is preserved, with a slight dustiness.
Mechanism: complete, engine and sound window in place;