Mechanical Cigarette Dispenser with Bird Automaton, Black with Pearl Effect and Drawers – Vintage 1970s–1980s

An extraordinary mechanical cigarette dispenser and desk organizer in high-gloss black plastic, decorated with shimmering pearl-effect painting.

The Mechanism

When operated, a movable silver-tone bird dips forward, picks a cigarette from the hidden roller compartment with its beak and raises it for serving – a small automaton marvel.

Features

• Hand-painted flowers, cranes and deer in iridescent pearl effect
• Two raised lidded compartments
• Two drawers lined with red velvet

Details & Condition

• Material: black plastic, pearl-effect painting, red velvet, silver-tone plastic bird
• Length: approx. 30.5 cm / 12 in
• Depth: approx. 13.5 cm / 5.3 in
• Height: approx. 12 cm / 4.7 in
• Origin: East Asia
• Date: approx. 1970s–1980s
• Condition: excellent; bird mechanism, drawers, velvet lining and painting intact and working, minor surface wear (see photos)

Who It's For

For collectors of tobacco accessories, as a desk organizer for pens and clips, or as a quirky decor piece that entertains guests.

Care

Wipe dry; do not force the mechanism.

At the flea market in Gmünd the dealer demonstrated the little bird – and everyone at the stall laughed when it took a bow.

A little bird with a big entrance — Things with Soul · VintageAustriaShop