20" (51 cm.) A wooden cage with gesso sculpting and gilded finish has a gilded metal cage frame with arched top surmounted by a large brass ball and carrying handle. Inside the cage is a brass bird perch with trailing leaves and vines upon which is perched a red feathered bird; a yellow feathered bird sits nearby. When wound and lever released, the birds turn heads from side to side, flutter tail feathers, and perform a series of trills, coos, and various other authentic bird sounds. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: attributed to Bontems, circa 1880, the French automaton maker specialized in the creation of mechanical birds, a well-accomplished attempt to reconcile the French love of nature and countryside with the bustling city life of late 19th century Paris. The pair of singing birds were from the original owner home of a well-known early 20th century physician in High Point, North Carolina until their acquisition of Carole Jean and Alex Zvonar. Value Points: original and beautifully preserved mechanical birds with wonderful sounds and movements.