postikägu

Postikägu is a Finnish term that translates to "mail cuckoo." It refers to a type of small, mechanical bird that was often used as a decorative or novelty item, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These objects were typically made of metal, often brass or tin, and were designed to resemble a cuckoo bird.

The mechanism within a postikägu was simple. When activated, usually by a small lever or by gently tilting the object, the bird would emerge from its housing, often accompanied by a simple clicking or chirping sound. The "mail" aspect of the name likely stemmed from their association with mailboxes or as a decorative element on correspondence-related items. They were not, however, directly involved in the postal service itself.

Postikägu were popular as gifts, souvenirs, or small decorative pieces for desks and cabinets. Their charm lay in their whimsical nature and the simple mechanical animation. While not mass-produced in the same way as later toys, they represent a charming example of early mechanical novelty items. Today, they are considered collectible antiques, appreciated for their historical and nostalgic value. Their prevalence declined with the advent of more complex mechanical and electronic toys and decorations.