Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 11, 2012

LOT 292

BRUGUIER SINGING BIRD BOX C. Bruguier à Genève, No. 517. Made circa 1850. Very fine and rare, silver-gilt and painted on enamel singing bird box. Accompanied by a key.

C. Rectangular with molded corners, florally engraved over engine-turning, top with sky blue enamel painted with fl owers, black enamel borders, bird cover fi nely painted with an alpine scene, the interior with a bouquet of fl owers on a sky blue ground, concealed key compartment in the back. M. Rectangular, 88 x 44 mm, brass, turned pillars, fusee and chain, rectangular bellows, bird with moving head, fl apping wings, opening beak and tail, eight cams controlling the piston and the bird's beak and tail, two additional for the other movements, long duration of song with natural bird song alternating with a melody, precision cam-controlled lifting mechanism, gilt grille pierced and engraved with foliage. Movement signed and numbered, case scratch numbered. Diam. 96 x 61.5 x 37 mm.