Passed
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Description
21" (53 cm.) A bird cage with sculpted gesso-over-wooden designs on gilded base has gilded metal bars and a large brass ball and carrying loop at the peak; inside on the velvet base is a brass bird perch decorated with berries and leaves. Two feathered birds are in the cage, and when wound and lever released, they whistle, sing, flutter wings, open and close beak, and move side to side. Condition: very good, feathers somewhat worn, bird songs are grinding, mechanism otherwise functions well. Comments: French, attributed to Bontems, circa 1875. Value Points: beautiful quality of cage and realistic movements and whistles.