Singing Bird In Cage clockwork/automata repair

[Matthew]

Good (insert time here) everyone!

     I am relatively new to the world of clockwork repair and maintenence, but have done delicate metalwork, mechanism cleaning, and enjoy fixing things. Just recently, my sister brought home her boyfriends late great grandmothers singing bird in cage automata. For those of you who dont completely know or understand what it is, its basically a spring driven mechanism using bellows and a variable organ pipe to make bird sounds and move a little birdie around and "sing" (Example of singing bird mechanism working).

     His aunt wants it to be operational again, and after opening it up (not yet taking much apart) I have come to the conclusion that it could just use a good cleaning and oiling. But, my question is, what kind of oil should I use and how should I apply it? I don't have any fancy oils except for a bottle of valve oil for my trumpet at my current disposal, but I would like to buy some decent clockwork oil for this project and a sankyo music box repair I have waiting. 

 

     Note: come to find out while writing this, it was made by eschle reuge I'm Germany, probably around the 50's or 40's.

[wls1971]

I have a few Reuge music boxes I used windles clock oil on these the music boxes do not require anything other than this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JD-Windles-Clock-Oil-50-ml-Tried-and-Tested-Best-value-on-Ebay-/251252952121

to apply it you can use a oiler such as this :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oiler-precision-pen-type-clock-multipurpose-oil-clocks-clockmakers-0-3mm-Tip/123002496357?epid=14016050320&hash=item1ca3852565:g:yNcAAOSwjXRXaqSz

or

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bergeon-30102-4-Set-of-4-Watch-Oilers-Watchmakers-Watch-Repairs-HO30102-4/263538887690?hash=item3d5c244c0a:g:VCAAAOSwZrtaoVpj

Someone on this site has dealt with one of these before do a sight search to find it.

[clockboy]

Interesting project enjoy.

[oldhippy]

wis1971 mentions  Windles clock oil. I’ll back him up on that.

[ecodec]

Back in 46 I remember my Grandma had one with two birds in it. It had a "penny in the slot" mechanism. She sold loads of things to clear out after being bombed out in the blitz and it went for five shillings !!.

[watchweasol]

I would agree on the Windles clock oil, Use it myself.

[ChrisVerhoeff]

Good day, I have just acquired one of these as well, a double bird.  But the original bellows are past their used by date.  Is there a way to replace the latex or silicone "drums" as the rest is in working order

[oldhippy]

Could you provide a few photos please.

[Galilea]

I am sooo happy this post started! I have been hoping it would. I have a clockwork toy collection and right now need help with a 30s loop-the-loop toy with  a decreasing strength issue. I would have postd but last week my sister stepped on the two-guys-in-a-cart vehicle that travels the loops and I can't find one wheel. Will pay attention here instead.

[oldhippy]

Have you tried the clockwork toy forums. You are more likely to get help on those then here. After all this is a watch and clock forum. 

[Nucejoe]

OP left cuz cuckoo caca ed on hairspring. lol     

 

[Neverenoughwatches]

1 hour ago, Nucejoe said:

OP left cuz cuckoo caca ed on hairspring. lol     

 

Might need something stronger than one dip to remove that.