Bird with iridescent two-tone black-tipped green plumage with red tail and wing feathers, realistically modeled brass feet, articulated head, beak, wings, tail and swiveling perch, on t-form perch with leaf-cast boss, in two-tier gilt-brass 'fountain' cage supported by barley-twist pillars with finials, on octagonal ogee base with mahogany underside and bun feet, with going-barrel movement, cams for warbling song with slight pause, bellows and whistle, ht. 16 in. x wd. 9 in. (40,5 x 23 cm). With large heart-shaped key. – A most unusual transitional singing bird automaton in an elegantly designed architectural cage. Not only does the bird move its beak, head and tail (in the manner of most singing bird automata), it also flutters his wings and appears to hop from side to side inquisitively as it sings. – These additional movements recall the miniature birds in fusee-driven precious metal and enamel automaton boxes produced during the early 19th century by Rochat and Bruguier. The modeling of the bird itself is also reminiscent of an early fusee-driven automaton bird created on a larger scale. This is the only example of its kind that we have seen to date.