Around 1780 in La Chaux-de-Fonds,Jaccquet-Droz invented the mechanical singingbird. This movement imitated the movements ofbirds and reproduced the birdsong very authenically. It contains leather bellows and piston whistle assembly. About 60 years later it was perfected by the Baise Bontems workshop in Paris. In 1960 Reuge took over Bontems, as well as Eschles production in Germany. In this way tradition has been safeguarded. To this day Reuge continues the manufacture of singing birds in the traditional manner. Birds are painstakingly feathered by hand. Dimensions are 6 3/8 inch diameter x 12 inch high. Is available in gilt brass with navy velvet (also available in the antique look with rose velvet) they are delightful!Sorry this item has been discontinued
