Toy Birds, 1910 Based on Designs from 1850 The Victoria & Albert Museum |
Though they were made in the Twentieth Century, they were based on designs which dated to the previous century. The toy consists of a carved hummingbird at each end of a cross bar. Beneath each bird is a leather bellows. When the upright bar is moved from side to side the bellows are operated causing the birds to whistle.
Such clever toys were wildly popular both in Germany and in England. However, due to their delicate nature, few survive.
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