A FRENCH SINGING BIRD BOX, PROBABLY BLAISE BONTEMS, PARIS, CIRCA 1865

A FRENCH SINGING BIRD BOX, PROBABLY BLAISE BONTEMS, PARIS, CIRCA 1865the oblong black 'bois durci' box with gilt-metal mounts, the top with oval lid of two birds amid flowers and foliate cartouche spandrels, the front and back with wheat and wreath motifs, the sides with ribbon-tied foliage, going barrel movement with eight combs and bellows, the feathered bird with moving beak, wings and tail, wound to the side with a key, in a black leather case with gilt line detail, the fitted interior red velvet and cream silk lined, box 11.5cm longProvenance: English Private Collection, in the same family for over 100 years