Mechanical Singing Bird, 1890-1910
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Automated, mechanical devices like this provided cheerful bird-like songs in the parlors of many well-to-do American homes around the turn of the 20th century. Unlike live pet birds, this caged, feather-covered papier mache bird sings when its key-wound clockwork mechanism is activated. Turning gears operate small bellows and a slide whistle or flute to mimic a bird's warble.
Automated, mechanical devices like this provided cheerful bird-like songs in the parlors of many well-to-do American homes around the turn of the 20th century. Unlike live pet birds, this caged, feather-covered papier mache bird sings when its key-wound clockwork mechanism is activated. Turning gears operate small bellows and a slide whistle or flute to mimic a bird's warble.
Artifact
Automata
Date Made
1890-1910
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
95.0.51.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Brass (Alloy)
Feather (Material)
Velvet (Fabric weave)
Color
Red
Dimensions
Height: 21 in
Diameter: 12 in
Inscriptions
FRANCE
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