Antique singing bird box by Bontems in tortoiseshell and silver gilt with the whole case covered in inlaid gold stars. This box in mint condition with original leather outer box and the original key. The bird with all its original feathers and having an ivory beak sits up on a finely engraved and pierced silver gilt grille. The box has a hinged compartment to the back with the hinge made of tortoiseshell and in perfect order. 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.