Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 15, 2016

LOT 403

BRUGUIER SINGING BIRD BOX CHALET SUNSET ENAMEL Jacques Bruguier, No. 2175. Made circa 1860. Fine, tortoiseshell, gold, painted on enamel and pearl-set singing bird box. Accompanied by a fitted box and winding key.

Rectangular, entirely made of tortoiseshell, hinged compartment for key storage, finely painted on enamel oval lid depicting a view of a sunset on the Saleve with a chalet, the inside painted with a bouquet of spring flowers on a pale green ground. Rectangular, 86 x 43 mm. brass, turned pillars, fusee and chain, rectangular bellows, bird with moving head, flapping wings, opening beak and fluttering tail, eight cams controlling the piston and the bird's beak and tail, two additional for the other movements, long duration of song, precision cam controlled lifting mechanism, gilt grille engraved with foliate decoration. Movement punch numbered.