Collector's Pocket Watches, Wristwatc...
New York, Grand Havana Room, Mar 19, 2003
LOT 196
The DuetBlaise Bontems, Paris. Produced circa 1880.Fine and very rare, silver and painted-on-enamel, singing double bird box.
USD 22,000 - 26,000
EUR 20,000 - 24,000
C .rectangular with fluted corners, engraved with scrolling and strap work, hinged back side panel for key compartment, top panel with oval aperture for the singing birds lid painted on enamel with a park scene, small stream in the front, alter and mountains in the background. M. rectangular, large going barrel with two air and song cams underneath, rectangular bellows.Case punched with the maker's trademark.Dim. 95 x 58 x 37 mm
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3 - 52 |
|
Movement: 3* |
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Dial: - |
Notes
Singing bird boxes with double birds are exceptionally rare. At the end of the nineteenth century the Parisian firm, Blaise Bontems, made few of them. Their entire production was very limited with an output of about 400 pieces per year. Only a few double bird boxes were made.Blaise Bontems (1814 - 1893) was an inventor and maker of moving and singing birds on clocks, groups and pictures; clocks, rope dancers and mechanical pieces. He was a supplier "to her Royal Highness the Queen of England".