A German Enameled Singing Bird Automaton Box

Case by Emil Brenk, 20th Century

marked EB METALL GERMANY to underside.
Height 2 x width 4 1/4 x depth 3 inches.

With winding key. Box takes a wind and is in mostly functioning condition. The bird sings and turns side to side when the box is playing, but the bird does not stand fully straight, appearing to be slightly skewed on its axis. Neither the wings or beak move when the bird is in movement. There is some wear to the feathers and one eye missing. The sliding knotch is slightly loose but generally functions properly. The enamel panels and gilt framing are in overall good condition with light scratches and dents throughout consistent with age and use. The lid of box lifting slightly from body but still firmly secured to rest of body. Additional images available upon request.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email conditionreports@freemansauction.com

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Corbin Horn

Vice President, Head of Department, European Furniture & Decorative Arts

corbinhorn@freemansauction.com 312.334.4214

Mr. Horn joined the firm in 2009 and has directed numerous sales of important collections, including those of Lilly Pulitzer, Lord Anthony and Lady Jacobs, Lars Bolander, Casa de Sueños in Miami Beach, and Villa Massei in Lucca, Italy. He has also achieved record results for consignments from prominent institutions, including the Toledo Museum of Art, the High Museum of Art, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Minnesota Historical Society. Mr. Horn is a member of the Antiquarian Society of the Art Institute of Chicago and is an alumnus of the Attingham Trust.

Ben Fisher

Managing Director, Furniture and Decorative Arts

benfisher@freemansauction.com 312.447.3270

Mr. Fisher rejoined the firm in 2019 after working as a specialist in the American Furniture and Folk Art department at Sotheby’s New York. His areas of expertise include 18th, 19th, and 20th century American, Continental, and English furniture, decorative and folk art. Before coming to Hindman in 2013, Mr. Fisher worked in European Furniture and Decorative Arts in Philadelphia. He began his career working for a prints dealer focusing on works from the 16th through the 20th centuries.

Mike Intihar

Senior Director, Appraisals & Valuations, Midwest

mikeintihar@hindmanappraisals.com 312 280 1212

Mike Intihar is the Senior Director of Appraisals & Valuations, Midwest at Hindman Appraisals.

Mr. Intihar joined the firm in 1997, and he has expertise in 18th, 19th and early 20th-century Continental, English and American decorative arts and furniture. Mr. Intihar appraises and catalogues approximately 6,000 objects annually for auction and appraisal purposes, and he performs onsite appraisals at various appraisal fairs and events throughout the year. He attends international antique trade shows to assess the global demand for objects handled at auction and retail. Prior to working at Hindman, Mr. Intihar was a senior administrator for Sotheby’s, Chicago, and he began his career at Wolf’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mike Intihar is the Senior Director of Appraisals & Valuations, Midwest at Hindman Appraisals.

European Furniture & Decorative Arts

A German Enameled Singing Bird Automaton Box

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup