A fine enamel singing bird automaton in tortoiseshell, silver gilt and enamel by Bontems of France. The box is in superb condition with no damage or repair to the tortoiseshell. It has an unusual hand painted enamel lid of a cockerel and other birds in a naturalistic landscape. Superbly feathered bird and fine silver gilt grille. On pushing the operating lever the full bodied bird pops through the grille & begins singing. It has a moving beak, the bird turns, flaps his wings and tail and after his performance pops down through the grille. France circa 1890. 4 inches wide by 2.75 inches deep by 1.5 inches high ( 10 cms by 6.9 cms by 3.75 cms).