Musical box
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
circa 1840
Materials
Metal, wood, feathers and velvet
Measurements
165 mm (length); 140 mm (width); 280 mm (height)
Place of origin
Germany
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 668577
Summary
A musical box in the form of a feathered bird in a wire cage. The gold coloured painted wooden base is in the shape of a rectangle with the corners cut off. It has an embossed design on the four sides and four turned metal legs. The cage is made of plain, twisted wire and has a domed top. This is decorated with a circle of brass coloured metal, shaped and engraved with a circular design. Holding it in place is a brass knob with a hanging ring. Inside the cage, on a red velvet base, is a brass coloured metal perch for the bird. The bird is covered in brown feathers and has glass eyes. The head and beak move when in action. The perch is entwined with wire and fabric twigs and wooden fruit. The winding key and speaker are under the base and there is a small on/off lever at one corner.
Marks and inscriptions
Under the base: 'K.T.G./ MADE IN GERMANY'