A magnificent silver gilt and enamel singing bird box in the form of a casket. The casket exquisitely engraved all over and having the gilding to the silver in pristine and sparkling condition. The lower base standing on scrolling bracket feet is applied with ornate silver mounts. The sides to the upper part of the case is covered with unusually patterned and exciting enamel. This continues on the top of the casket and also to the lid. All the enamels are in bright and exuberant colour. The casket is also decorated with mounted turquoise and pearls. The operating lever is mounted with a pearl. On sliding 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. Probably German early 20th century.3.75 inches high by 6 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep ( 9.4 cms by 15 cms by 11.25 cms).