Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Jul 23, 2020
LOT 84
Attributable to Raymy’s
Singing-bird box with watch; silvered metal and enamel
Singing-bird box with watch; silvered metal and enamel
HKD 70,000 - 90,000
CHF 8,500 - 11,000 / USD 9,000 - 11,600
Silvered metal and enamel, key-winding, horizontal singing-bird box, with keyless-winding watch movement mounted in the front.
Rectangular box with engraved and silvered mounts, framing, on all sides, red flinqué enamel (translucent enamel over guilloché engineturning) panels, standing on four small silver ball feet; oval cover of the bird, chiselled and engraved, “repoussé”-work, with a scene depicting a couple struggling together on a bench surrounded by birds; on the right side of the cabinet, pull to start the bird mechanism.
Singing-bird mechanism, rectangular (95 x 45 mm.), brass, going barrel, bellows and cams; the revolving bird with moving wings, beak and tail, controlled by two cams mounted beneath the barrel wheel (winding by key, under the box).
Watch movement, 10’’’ ½, oval, lever escapement, 3 adjustments (winding and winding by crown, under the box).
Silvered oval dial with revolving radial Arabic numerals, gilded centre; blued steel “Spade” hands.
Rectangular box with engraved and silvered mounts, framing, on all sides, red flinqué enamel (translucent enamel over guilloché engineturning) panels, standing on four small silver ball feet; oval cover of the bird, chiselled and engraved, “repoussé”-work, with a scene depicting a couple struggling together on a bench surrounded by birds; on the right side of the cabinet, pull to start the bird mechanism.
Singing-bird mechanism, rectangular (95 x 45 mm.), brass, going barrel, bellows and cams; the revolving bird with moving wings, beak and tail, controlled by two cams mounted beneath the barrel wheel (winding by key, under the box).
Watch movement, 10’’’ ½, oval, lever escapement, 3 adjustments (winding and winding by crown, under the box).
Silvered oval dial with revolving radial Arabic numerals, gilded centre; blued steel “Spade” hands.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Unsigned, Geneva
Year circa 1920-1930
Caliber rectangular (90 x 48 mm.) brass
Dimensions 50 x 105 x 55 mm
Accessories winding-key
Notes
When the mechanism of this singing bird box is activated, the oval lid opens automatically and the bird appears, pivoting from side to side, flapping its wings, moving its tail, opening and closing its beak; when it stops singing, after his performance, it falls backwards, goes through the grille, and then the lid closes. This mechanical marvel is obtained by means of a small bellows mechanism providing air to a variable whistle, itself actioned by a system of cams and levers whose driving force is generated by a barrel spring.