Vintage Mid-Century Fred Zimbalist Silver-Plated Owl & Owlets Figural Music Box

Up for sale is a stunning, highly collectible mid-century modern figural music box designed by the renowned artisan Fred Zimbalist. Crafted around the mid-20th century, these pieces were hand-engraved and chased in India. This heavy, substantial piece features a beautifully detailed parent owl with red inset eyes, perched on a leaf and branch base alongside two smaller owlets. Key Features Design: The entire piece is intricately hand-engraved and chased with a gorgeous floral and scroll pattern through a heavy nickel-silver plating over brass, typical of Zimbalist's iconic mid-century portfolio. Mechanics: The main body of the owl is hinged and splits open in the middle. The hinged body splits open smoothly to reveal an internal compartment where the musical mechanism or a trinket box is housed. Musical Movement: It houses a premium, authentic Swiss-made Thorens musical mechanism. This specific design is known to be built with an authentic Swiss Thorens mechanism that plays The Anniversary Song (originally derived from Danube Waves), though rarer variations of this figure may play the Merry Widow Waltz. Condition & Functionality Fully Operational: Unlike many vintage musical pieces on the market, this music box works perfectly. It winds cleanly and plays its nostalgic tune beautifully with clear tone and proper timing. Cosmetics: The piece is in excellent vintage condition with a beautiful, authentic patina that highlights the depth of the hand-engraving.