Silver Fusée Singing Bird Box by Charles Bruguier

This extremely rare, early Swiss fusée singing bird box by the renowned Charles Bruguier combines exquisite artistry with outstanding mechanical craftsmanship. The earliest bird boxes were fusée, or chain driven, and are famed for playing longer and clearer than later models. Few boasted as complex a movement as this example. During Bruguier's career, he produced an average of only 27 of these precious boxes per year. This example is among the handful of his creations known to exist in such wonderful working condition, and it is considered among the rarest and finest of all bird boxes.  Crafted of silver, the case is beautifully chased and intricately hand-painted with a vibrant enamel design. Even more remarkable than its exterior, however, is the masterpiece housed within. With just the touch of a button, the top cover opens to reveal a singing bird with colorful plumage rising from a pierced silver stage. As it chirps its enchanting song, the tiny bird moves not only its beak but a