The Art of Horology in Geneva

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 13, 1999

LOT 114

Charles Bruguier, Geneva, No. 402, circa 1840.Fine tortoiseshell and 18K gold, singing bird box, in original fitted case stamped by the retailer: Howell James & Co. Regent Street, London.

CHF 10,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 12,650

C. Two part, entirely made of tortoiseshell, hinged back panel for the key compartment. The gold singing bird box cover enamelled with a fine painted view of Geneva seen from Pregny, the enamel backing painted with a composition of summer flowers.M. Rectangular plates with turned pillars, fusee with chain, rectangular bellow, the bird with moving wings, tail, beak and turning head controlled by a stack of8 cams, gilt brass engraved grill.Maker's punch mark for Charles Bruguier on the back and front plates of the movement.Dim. 94 x 63 x 30 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: * 4 - 5

Notes

Charles Abraham BruguierBorn in Geneva in 1788. He spent the first years of his career working for other manufacturers making automata, before returning to Geneva and establishing his own business. His workshops continued under the guidance of his two sons, followed by his grandson. Bruguier understood better than his predecessors (Jaquet-Droz, Leschot and Les Frères Rochat) the secrets of successfully re-creating "bird-song", and he achieved considerable improvements in the design of the movements. His early works, awell as his bird cages, are considered as the finest "singing" mechanisms ever made in a small size. He died in 1862.