Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 11, 2012

LOT 299

SINGING BIRD BOX TABLE CLOCK THE BIRD IN THE TREE Probably Austrian, bird movement No. 1298, clock movement signed Joseph Nigg. Made circa 1910. Fine and very unusual, rococo-style, silver, enamel and paste-set singing bird box table clock, the bird in an arbour at the top.

CHF 10,000 - 15,000

USD 11,000 - 16,000 / EUR 8,500 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 15,000

C. Rectangular repousse base decorated with paste-set birds amongst scrolls and flowers, the clock monted above on a rocaille base with pierced sound holes within a blue champleve enamel scroll border, flanked by carved ivory and paste-set fi gures of a young couple, the gentleman climbing a ladder to the bird in a leafy arbour at the top set with pearls and pastes, paste-set bezel. D. Engraved gilt with radial Roman numerals on white champleve enamel reserves. Pierced gilt hands. M. Watch : 42 mm., gilt brass, full plate, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm balance, pierced continental cock, silvered regulation dial. Bird : Rectangular brass, going barrel and rectangular bellows, the revolving bird with moving wings, tail and beak, controlled by two cams mounted beneath the barrel wheel. Watch movement signed Joseph Nigg, bird movement numbered. Dim. 26 x 14.5 x 9 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-25

Good

Chipped
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

It is very unusual to fi nd a singing bird box where the bird is situated away from the box itself. The bird is enclosed within an arbour on the top of the case and is controlled from the movement in the base via a long rod which runs up within the clock housing. This very pretty piece is likely to be of either Austrian or German manufacture from the beginning of the 20th century.