for sale €9,302 $10,097

£7,950

AC Silver

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Guilloche Enamel Box

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Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

Name: Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1077559
Price: 7950 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by AC Silver

Description

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique European sterling silver and enamel singing bird box; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection.

This exceptional antique sterling silver gilt and enamel singing bird box has a rectangular form.

The surface of the antique box is embellished with exceptional blue guilloche enamel panels accented with plain silver gilt borders.

The sides of the body are further encompassed with simplified foliate festoon decorated borders.

The upper plateau of the box is fitted with a further impressive hot enamel panel, incorporating an engraved floral silver gilt border and oval hinged cover to the centre.

This functional singing bird box is initiated by sliding an impressive hot enamel decorated switch to the anterior face, allowing the cover to open.

The cover allows access for the original hinged three-dimensional bird to rotate to a perpendicular position to display movement to its wings and body, in addition to a variable audible tone representing a tweeting bird; an example of this sound can be found in video.

This exceptional box is supported by four impressive simplified bracket style feet.

The underside of the box is plain and bears the mechanisms winding port; the fully functional piece is supplied with a winding key.

This impressive European musical box retains the original gilding.

Such examples are often in a distressed condition, to locate a sterling silver gilt singing bird box in this fine and original condition is becoming increasingly difficult.

Condition

This antique enamel singing bird box is an excellent gauge of silver, excellent quality and in excellent condition.

There is some wear to the original gilding to the underside of the box, in keeping with age.

The enamel panels are in perfect condition.

The 'Sterling' hallmark struck to the underside of the box is very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique silverware.

Dimensions

Length 10.1cm/3.98'

Width 6.5cm/2.56'

Height 5.1cm/2.01'

Weight

15.7 troy ounces/488.2g

Maker: Unmarked

Date: Circa 1900

Origin: Europe

A video is available upon request.

Physical Dimensions

Height

5.1cm (2.01")

Width

6.5cm (2.56")

Declaration

AC Silver has dated this Enamel Singing Bird Box to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1077559

Dealers Internal Reference

C8714

Dealers Notes

PLEASE NOTE: AC Silver takes pride in offering only quality items for sale.

This pride in quality includes the professional, efficient and personal service extended to all AC Silver customers.

All items purchased usually dispatched within 24 hours following cleared payment.

All items are professionally and securely packaged, sent FREE of charge and are FULLY INSURED during transit.

FREE worldwide international deliveries are via FedEx International Priority Service.

AC Silver is pleased to provide a 30-day money back guarantee.

Description

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique European sterling silver and enamel singing bird box; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection.

This exceptional antique sterling silver gilt and enamel singing bird box has a rectangular form.

“

The surface of the antique box is embellished with exceptional blue guilloche enamel panels accented with plain silver gilt borders.

AC Silver

fig 1. A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. — fig 1. Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

The sides of the body are further encompassed with simplified foliate festoon decorated borders.

The upper plateau of the box is fitted with a further impressive hot enamel panel, incorporating an engraved floral silver gilt border and oval hinged cover to the centre.

fig 2. A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. — fig 2. Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

This functional singing bird box is initiated by sliding an impressive hot enamel decorated switch to the anterior face, allowing the cover to open.

The cover allows access for the original hinged three-dimensional bird to rotate to a perpendicular position to display movement to its wings and body, in addition to a variable audible tone representing a tweeting bird; an example of this sound can be found in video.

fig 3. A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. — fig 3. Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

This exceptional box is supported by four impressive simplified bracket style feet.

The underside of the box is plain and bears the mechanisms winding port; the fully functional piece is supplied with a winding key.

fig 4. A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. — fig 4. Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

This impressive European musical box retains the original gilding.

Such examples are often in a distressed condition, to locate a sterling silver gilt singing bird box in this fine and original condition is becoming increasingly difficult.

fig 5. A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. — fig 5. Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

Condition

This antique enamel singing bird box is an excellent gauge of silver, excellent quality and in excellent condition.

There is some wear to the original gilding to the underside of the box, in keeping with age.

fig 6. A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. — fig 6. Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

The enamel panels are in perfect condition.

The 'Sterling' hallmark struck to the underside of the box is very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique silverware.

Dimensions

Length 10.1cm/3.98'

Width 6.5cm/2.56'

Height 5.1cm/2.01'

Weight

15.7 troy ounces/488.2g

Maker: Unmarked

Date: Circa 1900

Origin: Europe

A video is available upon request.

Physical Dimensions

Height

5.1cm (2.01")

Width

6.5cm (2.56")

Date of Manufacture

AC Silver has dated this Enamel Singing Bird Box to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1077559

Dealers Internal Ref

C8714

About the Dealer

AC Silver

Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2009

Welcome to ac silver antique silver and antique jewellery specialists since 1977

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the AC Silver Profile Page

Trade Associations

AC Silver is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Guilloche Enamel Box

PDF

SAVE

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet.

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Archive I

Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

Archive II

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View II

Archive III

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View III

Archive IV

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View IV

Archive V

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View V

Archive VI

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View VI

Archive VII

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View VII

Archive VIII

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View VIII

Archive IX

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View IX

Archive X

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View X

Archive XI

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View XI

Archive XII

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View XII

Archive XIII

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View XIII

Archive XIV

A rectangular cobalt blue guilloche enamel and silver-gilt singing bird box with an engraved oval hatch cover and tiny cabriole feet. View XIV

Singing bird boxes were developed in Switzerland during the late eighteenth century by clockmakers seeking to miniaturise mechanical birds into portable pocket-sized cases. These intricate automata use miniature bellows, whistles, and gear trains to simulate bird song while moving a tiny feathered model through a hinged top lid.

The outer cases were commonly crafted from sterling silver, silver-gilt (vermeil), or gold, often decorated with engine-turned guilloche enamel or hand-chased metalwork. Internal mechanisms consist of precision brass movement plates, steel arbours, small leather bellows, and genuine humming-bird feathers for the automaton figure.

Authentic pieces feature hallmarked precious metal cases, precision-cut internal gear work, and fine guilloche engraving beneath translucent enamel. Inspecting maker markssuch as those by Karl Griesbaum, Charles Bruguier, or Rochatand checking for age-consistent patination inside the mechanical chamber helps confirm period authenticity.

These decorative horological objects are best displayed as focal curiosities on a mantelpiece, writing desk, or inside a glass display cabinet. Pair them alongside bound books and brass objects to highlight their refined craftsmanship.

The enamel and exterior silver should be dusted gently with a dry microfibre cloth, avoiding liquid polishes that might seep into the mechanism. Mechanical movements require periodic servicing by a specialist clockmaker to keep the brass gear train and bellows functioning correctly.

AC Silver

Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

AC Silver

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AC Silver

Antique European Sterling Silver and Enamel Singing Bird Box Circa 1900

AC Silver

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

What is the history and function of an antique singing bird box?

What materials were traditionally used to construct singing bird boxes?

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What care and maintenance does a vintage mechanical automaton require?

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