Somewhat mysterious singing bird music box

OK...so maybe not everyone has the $5.8 million dollars required to by something like the pair of singing bird pistols attributed to Frères Rochat. That doesn't mean you can't dream of a miniature mechanized singing bird of your own. Here's a beautiful example that can be yours for a fraction of the price. What that is...well...it's probably changed by now, so I'll let you see for yourself.

The ebay description is a little mysterious, but based on the current number of bids and the amount, I would say that there are people out there who know exactly what this is and that is worth something.

Quality automaton Music Box possibly from France or Germany. Gilded finish bronze box, bombe sides, fleur de lis decoration. A slide switch releases an hinged oval panel on the top. Bird stands for the duration of the tune. Found in the original cloth lined storage box along with the key (for winding) that is fitted in the hinged cover. Black exterior. Unsigned.
Music Box is 4"W x 1-1/4"H x 2-1/2"D.

Here's the full listing with many nice photographs of this somewhat mysterious singing bird box.

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