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This is one beautiful LARGE (20" by 11" approx.) antique double singing bird cage (heavy brass mechanism ) probably made by Bontems in the early 1900's. It is marked Made in France on the bottom and is in good condition for its age.It appears to be all original with no big issues though the birds could use a little cleaning, grooming and touch up. It sings nicely with all animation moving as it should. the bird's heads turn as they sing their song back and forth to one another.Call me silly but the soft sound of the clockwork still gives me chills.The beaks are syncronized with with the birdsong and the tail flips up and down. It is so amazing to me that such diversions were ever even made...in this disposable consumer product age such delicate yet durable automata are reminders of the joy that can be found in timeless decadent pleasure. Whats more its a pleasure that will last a century or two if looked after!This birdcage is an antique I have had many singing birds but this is one of my better ones. I am selling it only because I need to fund one of my own projects...These birds were created by excellent craftsmen and artists and even in their day they were exotic and certainly found only in the homes of the well to do.The birds are Life size and brass under all the feathering .The mechanism inside these birds, especially the early ones, cause my mechanic friends to scratch their heads in disbelief...and all before tape recorders radio or TV.

buyer pays 75 dollars for secure packing/shipping fully insured.

Outside USA international rates apply. ask questions before bidding.

I added some images showing the mechanism from all sides.It is even cleaner than I originally thought!...very nice.

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