Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 31, 1998

LOT 403

C. Bruguier a Geneve, No. 268, circa 1850. Very fine silver gilt and enamel, singing bird box.

CHF 18,000 - 22,000

C. Two part entirely engraved with flowers over an engine-turned ground, the cover with azure white and green floral decoration and two fine compositions of painted Summer flowers over a blue ground. Hinged compartment for the key. Lid enamelled with a finely painted Swiss landscape. Singing bird movement: rectangular plates with turned pillars, fusee with chain, rectangular bellow, the multi-coloured feathered bird with moving wings, tail, beak and turning head controlled by a stack of 8 cams. Gilt brass pierced and engraved grill. Signature and number punched on the movement. Dim. 90 x 56 x 31 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 22

Later original
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Notes

Charles Abraham Bruguier Charles-Abraham Bruguier was born in Geneva inl788 and died in 1862. 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 (faquet-Droz, Leschot and Les Freres Rochat) the secrets of successfully recreating "bird-song", and he achieved considerable i mprovements in the design of the movements.