Antiquorum Auctioneers since 1974

Geneva, May 10, 2026

LOT 439

CHARLES BONTEMS, FRANCE, SINGING BIRD WITH GENEVA LAKE VIEW PAINTED ENAMEL, SILVER GILT.

CHF 4,000 - 6,000

HKD 39,700 - 60,000 / USD 5,100 - 7,600 / EUR 4,400 - 6,500 / JPY 810,000 - 1,210,000

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: CHF 6,250

A manual wind singing bird in a rectangular case with rounded corners, florally engraved. The cover centred with a finely painted oval enamel panel depicting Lake Geneva with the snow-capped Alps and Mont Blanc in the background. The bird rotates and moves its wings, tail and beak, controlled by a rack and two cams mounted beneath the barrel. Gilt-brass grille engraved with foliage. Activated by a bird-form slide on the side of the case.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3-6*

Good

Slightly oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Brand Charles Bontems, France

Year Circa 1890

Movement No. 241

Caliber Rectangular brass, going barrel and rectangular bellows, the revolving bird with moving wings, tail and beak, controlled by two cams mounted beneath the barrel wheel, gilt brass grille pierced and engraved with foliage.

Length 97

Height 66

Width 64

Signature Movement stamped CB flanking a birdcage within a lozenge