A superb blond tortoiseshell and silver gilt cased singing bird box. Although almost certainly a French Bontems model from the late 19th century it is signed on the tortoiseshell and also the leather case Finnegans New Bond St. for the London retailer. The silver lid is engraved with a vase of flowers. Superb condition. On sliding the operating lever the lid opens and the full bodied bird pops through the grille & begins singing. It has a moving ivory beak, the bird turns, flaps his wings and tail and after his performance pops down through the grille & the lid lowers 4 inches wide by 2.6 inches deep by 1.3 inches high ( 10 cms by 6.5 cms by 3.25 cms). French circa 1890. Original leather case and key.