Mechanical singing bird box in book form

Automated singing bird boxes have been made since the 18th century. Their cases are fitted with a small slider which causes the lid to lift, allowing for a feathered bird to stand upright a, turn from side to side, flap its wings, move its tail and and open and close its beak. At the same time, the bird produces a continuous stream of birdsong. At the end of the performance, the bird falls back into the box and the lid closes. The design of this box simulates a traditional decorated leather binding. Hallmarks are present (Crescent and Crown]. -- description by Mindell Dubansky in consultation with Lynn Heckman