French Singing Bird Tortoiseshell Box

A rare late 19th century French Bontems singing bird…
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A rare late 19th century French Bontems singing bird tortoiseshell box, the case of rectangular form, slide bar switch to the front releasing the hinged lid and exposing the iridescent feathered singing bird, with articulated wings and accompanying synchronised bird song, standing above a grilled and engraved oval panel. Key wind, working order, hinges to the back flap faulted. 10.3 cm x 6.5 cm x 3.5 cm. In red leather outer box.

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  • Tortoiseshell - Tortoiseshell is a translucent material that comes from the horny carapace of a certain types of turtles, including the hawksbill turtle. It is often therefore mounted on a colour underground - often red - or inlaid with gold or silver thread, as seen in Boulle furniture.

    The texture and colour nuances of the material are extremely important. Heated tortoiseshell can easily be formed into various shapes. Like other natural materials, tortoiseshell becomes more beautiful with use. In a time before plastic, tortoiseshell was widely used for small objects such as combs and powder compacts.

    In 1973, the trade of tortoiseshell worldwide was banned under CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Prior to importing or exporting items containing tortoiseshell a CITES permit must be obtained. Tortoiseshell items cannot be traded on Ebay.

    "Faux tortoiseshell", another case of man initiating nature, is made from old-style plastics such as celluloid and cellulos and is coloured with red, yellow and brown spots to imitate the genuine article. It is commonly used in glasses frames, musical instruments and costume jewellery.

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