Antique singing bird box by Bontems in tortoiseshell and silver gilt with the top of case completely inlaid with tiny 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. The lid is of silver and is engraved with two flying birds within enfolding rose stems. 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. French by Bontems circa 1890 retailed by Searle, Hoare & Co, 87 King William Street, London. Original gold tooled silk lined red moroccan leather outer case.leather case and key. 4 inches wide by 2.6 inches deep by 1.3 inches high ( 10 cms by 6.5 cms by 3.25 cms).