Full item description text is below the video. The video may not play on all platforms so I also included a YouTube video link beneath the first video file. Video will open in a new window. A truly rare example crafted by Antoine Salmon in the late 1800s/very early 1900s. The guilloche and enamel is flawless without any repair or damage. This example is also diminutive in size and oval which is also very rare. In summary, a very rare singing bird box in outstanding 100% original condition that rivals the early fusee wind bird boxes. You will not find a better “going barrel wound” singing bird box anywhere. Antoine Salmon crafted the best singing bird boxes of his time and examples from his workshop are rarely found. This bird box is truly special due to the cosmetic & mechanical condition, the rare size and shape and the perfect enamel. When you listen to the bird song, you will immediately notice how smooth and quiet the mechanism runs while at the same time the bird song is both sweet and loud. This is a true engineering marvel that rivals the fusee wound bird boxes crafted in the early 1800s. The original bird is boasts colored iridescent feathers (purple, lavender, red, green, blue and gold). Iridescent feathers present themselves differently depending upon the light source and viewing angle. I tried to capture the beauty of this bird using different angles in my video but cameras never do these feathers justice. The original solid brass and pinned mechanical movement is also in excellent condition. The diminutive nature of this singing bird box required a special mechanical movement that was 100% crafted by hand and even the bellows are curved to accommodate the oval case. The governor utilizes a centrifugal force mechanism like Flajoulot which is one reason this movement runs so smooth and quiet. In summary, this is a fantastic antique singing bird box in amazing cosmetic and mechanical condition. I fully serviced (cleaned, adjusted, lubricated) the mechanical movement so this singing bird box operates perfectly. Buyers should be cautious when purchasing an antique singing bird box – always insist on seeing a photo of the mechanical movement for any singing bird box described as “antique”. This significantly impacts both current value and future value appreciation. The bird animates perfectly as follows: wings flap up/down, beak opens/closes, tail flutters up/down all the while singing to a beautiful oscillating bird song that is synchronized to the bird animation. PLEASE EXPLORE MY OTHER LISTINGS. CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE AS I ENJOY SHARING WHAT I KNOW. Troy Duncan, CPA, retired. The item “ANTIQUE GUILLOCHE & ENAMEL SINGING BIRD BOX AUTOMATON MUSIC BOX (WATCH VIDEO)” is in sale since Tuesday, June 26, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Music Boxes\Pre-1900″. The seller is “singingbirdbox” and is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This item can be shipped worldwide.