On song at Stratford-upon-Avon, this late 19th century French automaton musical bird, left, soared beyond the £1000-1500 estimate at Bigwood (19% buyer’s premium).
Complete with key and featuring hand-painted porcelain panels of figures in an 18th century parkland, it was in a 19in (49cm) tall gilded cage stamped to the base No 691 and made £7400 at the March 23 sale.