Double automaton “Singing Birds” in a cylindrical cage with a clock in a pedestalNot for sale

The automaton is made in the form of a cylindrical domed cage made of gilded brass rods with alternating smooth and twisted posts and chased belts; completion - a polished ball with a movable ring-handle. The round pedestal is decorated with repoussed flower garlands and pearl belts; a watch with a white enamel dial, Roman numerals and a pearl bezel, signed “REUGE MUSIC”, is mounted into its front face - a rare and spectacular combination of a watch and a singing machine in one case.
The bottom of the cage is covered with golden velvet; in the center there is a brass crossbar entwined with a silk ivy branch. The composition is inhabited by two mechanical singing birds with plumage made of natural feathers: on the crossbar - a bird of cinnabar-red color with dark wings and tail (a type of male crossbill/house finch); at the bottom there is a yellow bird with a black and white pattern of the head (a type of “hooded” canary finch).
Winding and starting are carried out through the side hole and the engine; On the bottom plate there is a sound window with a mesh and an engraving “REUGE MUSIC / SAINTE‑CROIX / MADE IN SWITZERLAND” with a signature lyre. When starting, the birds “sing” in turns: they turn, flap their wings and tails, open their beaks; the sound is reproduced by a bellows mechanism with a reed whistle - the hallmark of the Reuge manufactory, the only one in the world that continues the tradition of mechanical singing birds.
Markings and historical information
In addition to the factory engraving and signature on the dial, the bottom plate retains a service sticker from an American workshop (Music Box Repair Center, Lomita, California), documenting the professional maintenance of the item - evidence of its “transatlantic” existence and careful storage.
Condition
Item in excellent condition:
Cage and pedestal: bright, even gilding; rods without deformations; repousse and pearl belts are preserved.
Watch: dial enamel is clean, without chips; arrows and signature saved.
Birds: plumage preserved, bright colors; slight ruffle of the pen; eyes and beaks are intact.
Floral and velvet: silk plush with slight fading; golden velvet bottom - no loss.
Mechanisms: automatic and watch - serviced, in working condition.