Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces.

Geneva, Nov 13, 2010

LOT 254

Bontems ? Parisian Singing Bird Bontems, Paris. Made circa 1900. Fine, tortoiseshell and gilt metal, singing bird box. Accompanied by a fitted box and key.

CHF 6,700 - 9,500

USD 6,700 - 9,500 / EUR 5,000 - 7,000

Sold: CHF 10,625

C. Two-body, entirely made of tortoiseshell, gilt metal singing bird box cover engraved with two birds with flower and leaf border. M. Singing bird movement: rectangular plates with turned pillars, large spring barrel, rectangular bellows, the bird with moving wings, tail and beak controlled by large cams on the base and top of the barrel, gilt brass pierced and engraved grille. Punched ?AB France? on the top plate. Dim. 98 x 57 x 32 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: -

Notes

An almost identical box with the same signature is illustrated in: Flights of Fancy ? Mecahnical Singing Birds, Sharon & Christian Bailly, Antiquorum Editions, 2001, p. 310