Items Similar to Antique coin-operated large double singing birds-in-cage, by Bontems
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
Antique coin-operated large double singing birds-in-cage, by Bontems
About the Item
An antique coin-operated large double singing birds-in-cage, by Bontems,
French
circa 1900
Spend a penny in style
When wound and a 1d. coin inserted into the gilt metal chute to the front, the two full taxidermy birds spring to life, taking turns to open and close beaks, bob tailfeathers and turn heads from side to side perfectly synchronised to the mellow birdsong then coming to a stop once the penny drops.
The twin birds of full taxidermy, each with delicate mustard yellow, dark green, black and grey feathered plumage, natural beaks, black glass eyes and full natural legs, with the first on high polished T bar perch, the other on lower base perch beside, pale yellow velvet covered base with plain circular perch boss and angular gilt metal coin chute entries to centre and corner, under the impressive domed square cage with hoop and box top, lily leaf detail cast intermediate band, and the canted corner profile accented by the double twist bars, opening door to front with matching frame and further matching deep frame to cage bottom, on outstanding gilt gesso base with moulded lip above floral panels in relief, leaf bosses to corners, petit acanthus leaf frieze below and raised plinth with incised detail, coin drawer to right-hand side below winding hole for key, with a small stack of pre-1967 1d. coins.
Point of Interest -
Used in public quarters and taverns, it is unclear exactly if these coin-operated singing birds in cages were produced to be kept the property of the manufacture on a rent basis, or sold outright to the owners of premises who, after a good number of paying viewers, would get to make a small profit.
Phalibois also made these cages and invariably had polished beech-wood bases with gilt metal appliqués mounted for the finished decoration.
Bontems were still very much in the realms of gesso bases, and why not; Gesso bases, to this standard, pick out and display the very best detail with a colour which is very pleasing to the eye. The tiny leaf drops on the acanthus frieze near the bottom of the base for instance are crisp, consistent and wonderfully preserved from day one.
This has been looked after and will we are sure make for an entertaining interlude within the right interior.
- Dimensions:Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Width: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Depth: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1900
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2015338849592
About the Seller
4.6
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2016
75 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Littlehampton, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Miniature Singing bird in cage by Karl GriesbaumLocated in London, GBA very good single singing bird in cage, by Karl Griesbaum, German Circa 1940 Continuous and paused action A petit wonder of style and grace... When wound and the start/st...Category
Vintage 1930s German Musical Instruments
MaterialsBronze
- Antique Tortoiseshell singing bird box, by BontemsLocated in London, GBA antique tortoiseshell singing bird box, by Bontems Circa 1890, Going-barrel movement, Motor-view light anomaly... When wound and start/...Category
Antique 1890s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
MaterialsTortoise Shell
- Small Singing Bird Cage by Reuge of SwitzerlandLocated in London, GBA small size singing bird cage by Reuge of Switzerland, with intermittent and continuous action settings. When wound and the start/stop lever slid to full position, the perched bird ...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Musical Instruments
MaterialsBronze
- Singing Bird Box by Alfred BontemsLocated in London, GBA superb antique and finely painted sarcophagus-form wooden singing bird box, by Alfred Bontems. Going-barrel movement A stunning painting on each...Category
Antique 1890s French Decorative Boxes
MaterialsWood
- Antique Tortoiseshell Singing Bird Box, Most Probably by BontemsLocated in London, GBA antique tortoiseshell singing bird box, most probably by Bontems, Going barrel movement, Gilt metal two-tone brilliance... When wound and start/stop slide moved to the right, the bird pops up through foliate chased gilt grille, then proceeds to move bone beak, wings and body from side-to-side to good complex continuous synchronized birdsong. The bird with streaked feathered plumage in brown, yellow, turquoise and red, lime green and purple iridescent highlights, highly polished lid interior for full bird reflection, in plain polished tortoiseshell case, twinned laurel leaf engraved bird lid border with the bird lid engraved with love birds and rose united beneath leaf swag arch, accentuated with gilt on silvered ground, hidden key...Category
Antique 1880s French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
MaterialsTortoise Shell
- Silver and Tortoiseshell Singing Bird Box by Bontems, circa 1900By BontemsLocated in London, GBA beautiful Singing bird box by bontems of Paris, Circa 1900. Tortoisesheel embellished with sterling silver, with silver and enamel lid.Category
Antique Early 1900s French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
MaterialsSilver
You May Also Like
- Blaise Bontems Musical Automaton Singing birds and Clock under glass domeLocated in Leuven , BEThis 19th-century French automaton from the late 1800s showcases a delightful ensemble of features: three vibrant animated birds, a cascading waterfall, a tree surrounded by rocky ou...Category
Antique 19th Century French Taxidermy
MaterialsMetal
- Automaton Singing BirdsLocated in Norwich, GBAutomaton Singing birds Automaton singing birds housed in a gilded case standing on a stepped gilded base. Three articulated singing bird...Category
Vintage 1950s British Musical Instruments
MaterialsBrass
- Vintage Coin Operated Carousel Horse RideLocated in Chicago, ILVintage Coin Operated Carousel Horse Ride Classic American Vintage 25 Cent Coin Operated Carousel Horse Children's Ride By Amusement Equipment Mfg. Ltd. Eldon, MO All Original, Operational When Plugged in, Not Set for Coin Rides...Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Toys and Dolls
MaterialsMetal
- Antique Dollhouse Pewter Bird Cage with Bird, By Babette Schweizer, GermanyLocated in Nuernberg, DEAn outstanding bird cage in painted soft metal with a colorful Bird. To hang in your dollhouse or to put on a table in a salon or a parlor. Made of pewter. Nice for every decoration...Category
Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Toys and Dolls
MaterialsGlass
- Silver Fusée Singing Bird Box by Charles BruguierLocated in New Orleans, LAThis extremely rare, early Swiss fusée singing bird box by the renowned Charles Bruguier combines exquisite artistry with outstanding mechanical cra...Category
Antique 19th Century Swiss Other Decorative Boxes
MaterialsSilver, Enamel
- Mandolin Singing Bird Automaton Music BoxLocated in New Orleans, LAThis exceptional singing bird cylinder music box is a wonder of Austrian mechanical ingenuity. Not only does it play a selection of classical airs with remarkable tone and clarity, but its lush sound is accompanied by a colorful, singing bird automaton...Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Other Musical Instruments
MaterialsSatinwood
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Hamburg Steinway Piano
Rosewood Baby Grand Piano
Wurlitzer Grand Piano
Zwicki Pianette
Vintage Edison Record Player
Woodstock Era Magnepan
Copper Brass Bugle
Panasonic Radio
Panasonic Radios Vintage Radios
Panasonic Vintage Radio Vintage Radios
Vintage Panasonic Radio
Vintage Panasonic Radios
Altec Lansing Speakers Used
Altec Lansing Speakers Vintage
Altec Lansing Vintage Speaker
Altec Lansing Vintage Speakers Speakers
Altec Speaker Vintage Speakers
Altec Speaker Vintage