Very few people get to see the automaton, or any of its kind, taken to pieces but BHTV was given the chance to see just what makes this wonderful antique tick.

The musical elephant automaton, which is made up of hundreds of cogs, screws and other moving parts was completely dismantled, checked for wear and tear and put back together to make sure it is in the best working order to carry on for another 15 years.

Leading conservator Jonathan Betts, who is employed by the National Maritime Museum working on Harrison Marine time keepers, was carrying out the specialist work on the 18th century antique.

He told BHTV: "This is one example of what was a very important trade between London and China. We were producing these things from our country in order to trade with China."

And he added that automata, such as the elephant are now rare because they have been neglected over the generations and not been conserved in the way the elephant was last week.

He said: "When the elephant is working, his trunk moves, his ears flap, his eyes look from side to side, he wags his tail and a whole manner of things are happening in top of him, it really is a wondeful creation."

To see the interview with Mr Betts and footage of the automaton conservation, click 'Play' now.

For more on Waddesdon Manor, which re-opens to the public on March 19, click here.