Ludwig van Toronto

COOL STUFF #12 | 120 Year Old Singing Bird Machine

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(via) This one-of-a-kind mysterious copper mechanical birdsong mechanism was found in Paris, France. It is believed to be made by Blaise Bontems, a well-known maker of bird automata. The age is unknown, but it is estimated to be about 120 years old.

The video shows each of the fully restored mechanisms functioning to create the sound of bird song. Originally found rusted out and non-functional, it was lovingly refurbished by Michael Start at The House of Automata.

Can any ornithologists out there identify the bird? If so, let us know in the comments below.

 

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