A fine singing bird box in the form of a jewelled silver and silver gilt book. The case covered with filigree decoration, raised corner and centre mounts mounted with semi precious stones. Very unusually the singing bird box has hand painted enamel lids to both sides. One decorated with chickens is the one that opens to allow the bird to appear. The second lid on the other side decorated with a single bird on fruit is hiding the winding key hole. The straps that would have held the book together are in the form of long legged birds. The spine of the book slides out to reveal a place to keep the key. When the operating lever is pulled the lid opens and the brightly coloured bird pops up through the gilt bronze pierced grille and begins his performance. He sings, turns from left to right, flaps his wings and opens and shuts his beak. After a few seconds he finishes his performance, disapears down throught he grille and the lid closes after him ready for his next performance. German circa 1920. 4.25 inches high by 3.5 inches deep by 2 inches high ( 10.625 cms by 8.75 cms by 5 cms).