Antique and fine singing bird box in tortoiseshell and silver gilt with very fine pique work to the top of the case. The pique is of gold and shell laid into the tortoiseshell. This singing bird box is most unusual in that the position of the winding hole for the key is in the same position as it would be for a fusee singing bird box rather than a going barrel box which this one is. It is also wound by a small male key rather than the usual larger female key. The box also has a hinged snuff or key compartment to the rear of the case. When the operating button which is to the side of the box is pulled this starts the mechanism. The lid lifts and the bird pops up moving from right to left, flapping his wings and moving his beak up and down as he sings. As he finishes his cycle the bird drops down below the grille and the lid closes. Probably French circa 1900. 4 inches by 2.5 inches by 1.5 inches high ( 10 cm by 6.25 cm by 3.75 cm).