Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 11, 2012

LOT 115

BLAISE BONTEMS THE DUET SINGING BIRD BOX WITH TWO BIRDS Blaise Bontems, Paris. Made circa 1880. Fine and very rare, silver and painted on enamel singing bird box with two birds.

CHF 17,000 - 27,000

USD 18,000 - 30,000 / EUR 14,000 - 22,000

Sold: CHF 27,500

C. Rectangular with engraved scroll decoration, lobed corners, bird cover painted with a scene of an arcadian landscape with a rotunda by a lakeside, hinged key compartment in the side. M. Rectangular brass, going barrel and rectangular bellows, the two revolving birds with moving wings, tails and beaks, controlled by cams mounted beneath the barrel wheel, gilt brass grill pierced and engraved with two birds. Case stamped BB fl anking a birdcage within a lozenge. Dim. 37 x 56 x 108 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-77

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Restored soft enamel
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: -

Notes

Singing bird boxes with more than one bird are very rare. Only one example is known from the early 19th century and only a small number, including the present box, were made. In the present box, the birds sing one after another, in a love serenade.