Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 18, 1998

LOT 140

Attributed to Charles Abraham Bruguier, Geneva, No. 386, circa 1840. Extremely fine and rare gilt-bronze singing bird cage with two birds and built-in watch.

C. Gilt bronze octagonal, body and base, standing on four cast chased scalloped shell feet, the bottom section containing the movements, with acanthus mouldings and further floral decoration, the watch dial below the hinged doors of the cage supported on four pairs of twinned columns with pierced gilt floral scroll dividers, gilt-brass side panels made of lattice openwork with fleurettes intersections. The dome fixed between cast and chased acanthus scroll pediments with the pierced tile pattern sides and corners decorated with florally scrolled panel, a double acanthus leaf support for the ring handle. The birds inside the cage, supported on bars between side pillars. M. Brass plates, turned pillars, fusee with chain, fly regulator, circular bellow, eight lifting cams, the bird operating mechanism on the top plate. Watch: Later gilt-brass three-quarter plate movement with cylinder escapement, the white enamel dial with Roman numerals. Dim. 33 x 13 x 13 cm.