A small singing bird-in-cage, by Bontems,

 

Circa 1920,

 

Going-barrel movement,

 

Serial number 5435691,

 

With a song for the spring...

 

When wound by captive key-wind from underside and start/stop lever moved to position, the perched bird moves metal beak, head and tailfeather to continuous synchronised birdsong.

The bird with beautifully layered plumage in dark brown, black, maple-brown, cream and orange-stripe, plenty of green iridescence, on brass T perch with brown velvet base, under circular domed cage with hoop and boss top, gilt intermediate band, on pressed gilt metal base with a double floral swag helix before baulle frieze.

 

12.1/2in. high - (31.7cm)

 

Point of interest -  

 

The plumage of birds in these single cages are noted for their brilliance in range of colour, layering placements and size.  See how the dovetail-form tailfeather lives up to its name and finishes the piece superbly, making tailfeather movement that little bit stronger in automation.