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Vintage

KARL GRIESBAUM

Singing Bird Cage Automaton

This is an amazing older Karl Griesbaum singing brass bird cage/automaton in working order. I recently purchased this item at an estate sale and I had a difficult time making the decision to sell it. If you have ever seen and heard one of these working, you will know what I mean.

I have included a short video clip of the actual automaton that you are bidding on so that you can see and hear it in action! It obviously sings for much longer than this but I didn't want to upload a huge 1 minute long video for those of you on lower speed connections. Make sure your speakers and sound are turned on because it sounds beautiful!
I believe that everything is working as it should. As you can see and hear, the bird sings clearly and loudly (and realistically!) -- it also opens and closes its beak, moves it head back and forth and moves its tail up and down.

Cosmetically, this piece is in very good condition. It was very dusty when I bought it. I carefully removed some of the dust, but I left most of it behind because I am not an expert at cleaning these and I did not want to damage anything. The leaves, bird and red floor of the cage still have a moderate amount of dust on them. One of the three screws which holds the top of the bird cage onto the base has been replaced. The brass cage has a few spots of tarnish but I have not tried to clean or polish it. Measures approximately 11.5" high (not including the ring/handle) and about 6.5" across at the base.

Karl Griesbaum was one of the highest quality manufacturers of singing bird cages in the world and this piece is clearly marked on the bottom. T are 3 marks - one is the Karl Griesbaum "K G" mark with a bird in the middle, second is "Made In Germany" and third is "Ken D" in a diamond. Please see the pictures below and contact me if you have any questions. The low starting price of this auction in no way reflects my investment in the item. I am starting it low because it is an auction and it's more fun that way!

This piece is guaranteed authentic and vintage. It is not one of the newer/reproduction singing bird cages that many people are selling on eBay. I will carefully pack and double box this item for safe shipping. Check my feedback and bid with confidence!

Note: The short musical "chime" that is heard one second into the video is from my camera - not the bird!

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