1950s Karl Griesbaum Made in Germany Mechanical Singing Bird Cage Automaton - New in Box

Details

Description

Offering for sale this positively divine, brand new in original box with its original tags, vintage circa 1950s, German Karl … Read more Offering for sale this positively divine, brand new in original box with its original tags, vintage circa 1950s, German Karl Griesbaum mechanical singing bird cage automaton, featuring a vibrant feathered bird perched inside a polished brass cage with a round floral-decorated base. Here is some additional information:

- Maker/Origin: Karl Griesbaum (indicated by the "K-G" bird logo stamp and "KEN-D" mark), Germany, dating from the mid-20th century
- Mechanism: Key-wound mechanical movement that activates a chirping song alongside animated head and tail movements
- Design: Features a blue-feathered automaton bird on a perching branch with delicate metal leaves and flowers inside a gold-gilt wire cage; includes a winding key mechanism and sound grille/aperture typical of mid-20th-century wind-up singing bird musical automatons
- Measures 11 inches height with a 6.5" diameter base

Key Features
- Automaton Mechanism: Hand-crafted internal bellows and whistle system that produces a realistic chirping song on demand
- Movement: The mechanical bird animates by moving its head side to side, opening its beak, and moving its tail feathers while the song plays
- Design Details: Housed in a polished gilt brass wire cage with a perching blue-feathered bird, fabric leaves, berries, and a decorative mushroom detail atop a covered base

Valuation:
- $700 – $1200 (As-Is / Partial Function): For units with aged patina, minor visual flaws, or mechanisms requiring minor gear cleaning and bellows lubrication
- $1200 – $1800 (Good Working Condition): Typical retail value for a fully functional, authentic piece with proper chirping, head movement, and a well-preserved brass cage
- $2000 – $3400 (Fully Serviced / Mint): Premium retail or specialized antique shop pricing for a pristine unit that has been fully serviced with replaced or restored internal leather bellows to whistle loudly and clearly
- $4000+ (Brand new in original box): Original real bird feathers fully intact, vibrant, and free of balding or pest damage
- Original Markings: The presence of the authentic German "KG" emblem (stamped on the bottom mechanism or visible on a tag) preserves its collectible value over later modern replicas

Please note: I have a video demonstrating the perfect sound and movement of this magnificent piece, but alas, the esteemed "high-end" Chairish platform does not support video uploads. See less