The Sworders Homes & Interiors department is delighted to welcome two fine examples of musical bird boxes or tabatière, in their upcoming 7 March sale.
3 March 2023
The singing bird box originated in 18th-century Switzerland, where the development of watchmaking and automation flourished. Echoing contemporary clock movements, the earlier examples (mid-18th to 19th century) tended to employ a fusée movement, whereas later French and German models used a less complex barrel movement. The charm of the box comes from the hidden bird automaton; a small slider on the outside reveals a feather-plumed bird, which emerges from a gilt grille and flaps its wings in time with the birdsong.
An enamelled musical bird box by Karl Griesbaum of Triberg, £2,000-3,000
The two examples in our Homes & Interiors sale are attributed to Karl Griesbaum of Triberg. Founded in 1905, Griesbaum remained the dominant firm to produce singing bird boxes throughout the 20th century. Only playing one song, Griesbaum boxes have a simpler movement than their Swiss counterparts but are renowned for their elaborate tabatière cases. This can be seen in Lot 189, which depicts a miniature version of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s ‘The Swing’, whilst the gilt metal Lot 190 is engraved with detailed all-over foliate motifs.
A gilt metal and enamel musical bird box, £1,500-2,000
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a humble admirer - the two boxes catch the eye as beautifully crafted objects d’arte that perfectly display the advancement of automation engineering.
To find out more about these musical bird boxes contact our Homes and Interiors department - homesandinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
Or browse the full catalogue for the 7 March sale here
Over the past six months, Sworders has delivered a remarkable series of single-owner sales - each defined by a unique story and outstanding results, yet all unified by our expert market insight, meticulous presentation, and personalised client service.
12 June 2025
A unique offering of two private collections of Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) furniture, in our 8 July Design auction, provides buyers with the opportunity to acquire an important and iconic piece of design history.
9 June 2025
Born out of the tumultuous events on the streets of Paris in May 1968, when students and workers joined together in protest to bring France to the brink of revolution, an array of student riot posters are offered in our upcoming 9 July sale 'DREAMS | A Unique Private Collection'.
2 June 2025