Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 553

Mont-Blanc from Lac Leman Attributed to Jacques Bruguier, No. 2175. Made circa 1860. Fine, tortoiseshell, gold, painted on enamel and pearl-set singing bird box.

CHF 10,000 - 12,000

USD 9,200 - 11,000 / EUR 6,300 - 7,500

Sold: CHF 7,800

C. Rectangular, entirely made of tortoiseshell, four applied gold and pearl-set decorations, finely painted on enamel oval lid depicting a view of Mont-Blanc from Lac Leman (Geneva), the inside painted with a bouquet of spring flowers on a pale blue ground. M. 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. Dim. 95 x 62 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 4-24

Fair

Slightly chipped
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Notes

Although apparently unsigned, this box is closest to the style of Jacques Bruguier. The view of Mont-Blanc from Lac Leman shows some artistic license, since the cathedral of Geneva is visible in the far right-hand area of the painting; this would not be possible in reality.
Literature:Flights of Fancy-Mechanical Singing Birds, Sharon & Christian Bailly, Antiquorum Editions, 2001.