Birdsong box automaton on Ebay

This tiny singing mechanical bird box, only 4 1/4 inches long, is for auction on Ebay. From the description:

Singing Bird Box. Maker unknown, [German], first half of 20th Century. Enamel and gilt bronze automaton singing bird box measuring 4 ¼ x 2 ½ x 1 ¾", with floral and lovebird motifs. On sliding the operating lever, lid opens, bird emerges through grill and begins singing, moves its beak and turns its head. Upon finishing its performance the bird disappears through the grill which then closes. Good condition.

It's one of those nasty live auctions, though, designed to get you behaving irrationally. They want $300-$500 for it when it starts.

Auction [Ebay via The Automata Blog]