Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 11, 2012

LOT 294

SINGING BIRD CARRIAGE CLOCK Japy Freres, France. Made circa 1880. Fine and extremely rare, center-seconds, 8-day going, hour and half-hour striking carriage clock, with repeating, alarm and singing bird activated on the hour and at will.

CHF 20,000 - 40,000

USD 21,000 - 43,000 / EUR 16,000 - 33,000

Sold: CHF 62,500

C. GiIt brass, multi-piece and one-piece, the base cast with scrollwork on a matted ground, free-standing acanthus columns with cone fi nials, glazed sides, solid back door, an extension of the case above glazed on three sides and the top, with swan-neck carrying handle, the bird contained within amongst foliage. D. White enamel, Roman hour numerals, outer minute track, and alarm setting dial below. Blued-steel Breguet hands with sweep centre-seconds. M. Rectangular brass plates, going barrels for both trains, horizontal platform lever escapement with plain steel 'winged' balance, half/hour striking/repeating and alarm on a bell. Singing bird movement contained in the base with going barrel, the bird operated by levers passing up the back of the movement moving its body back and forward. Movement signed, stamp with date of the 1855 Exhibition and Grande Med. D'Honneur. Dims. 26.5 x 12 x 11 cm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

This carriage clock with singing bird is extremely rare with only a handful of examples known to exist. The singing bird is activated on the hour followed shortly afterwards by the normal striking on a bell. For variants and discussion about singing bird carriage clocks see : Carriage Clocks ? Their History and Development, Allix and Bonnert, 1974, pp. 221-223.