Charles Bruguier á Geneva Very Fine & Important Gold Singing Automaton Bird Box, No. 24, circa 1850.

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Charles Bruguier á Geneva Very Fine & Important Gold Singing Automaton Bird Box, No. 24, circa 1850

Case: measuring 90 mm wide, 56 mm deep, 31 mm top to bottom, 18k gold, fully chased and engraved with swirling leaves and flowers on a finely stippled ground, sides with fine rosette panels, gold floral form slide lever to activate the sound and motion, rounded corners, oval top over a pierced and engraved bird form grid, hinged back panel with recess for the winding key
Movement: signed C. Bruguier á Geneva, 24, brass and steel mechanism, fusee and chain, going barrel, stack cams, bellows, sliding piston for the songs modulation, the bird with rich colorful plumage pops up, turning back and forth with both body and head, beak opening and closing and wings flapping throughout the bird song cycle

It is interesting to note the signed mechanism is also hand inscribed "Charles Bruguier au grand priz/518 á Geneva, Mignani Jroba Buenos Aires (this is indistinct so it is possibly Groba or another name)".

Charles Abraham Bruguier the Younger came from a family of well-known producers of songbird music boxes whose success began with the work of his father Charles Abraham Bruguier (senior 1788-1862).

Condition Report*: Type: Charles Bruguier á Geneva Very Fine & Important Gold Singing Automaton Bird Box, No. 24, circa 1850
Metal: 18k gold
Gram Weight: 340 grams
Case Info: fully chased and engraved
Case Width: 90 mm wide, 56 mm deep, 31 mm top to bottom
Watch Movement: brass and steel, fusee and chain, going barrel, stack cams, bellows, signed C. Bruguier á Geneva
Condition: The box is in very fine, exceptional condition. The mechanism has been fully, professionally restored and is operating well, full 20 second cycle

*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".

Auction Info

Auction Dates

October, 2018

24th Wednesday

Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1

Lot Tracking Activity: N/A

Page Views: 1,717

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