Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 15, 2016

LOT 401

DOUBLE SINGING BIRD BOX WITH WATCH SILVER AND ENAMEL Probably German/Austrian. Made circa 1870. Fine, silver and painted on enamel double singing bird box with watch. Accompanied by a winding key.

Two-body, rectangular, rounded corners, and 4 inserts with painted on enamel flowers, front set with the watch, the rectangular bird cover decorated with a painted on enamel scene of a Shepherdess playing the flute with a friend. Enamel with painted graduated Arabic numerals, outer minute track. Blued steel spade hands. Rhodium- plated, 15 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator. The singing birds: rectangular brass, going barrel and rectangular bellow, the revolving birds with moving wings, beak and head, controlled by two cams mounted beneath the barrel wheel, gilt brass grill pierced and engraved with flowers and foliage. Movement and case numbered.