rare et exceptionnellement grande boîte à oiseau chanteur en vermeil, émail et perles par Charles Bruguier père, Genève, peut-être 1828

rectangulaire, le couvercle peint en plein d'un bouquet de fleurs d'été, s'ouvrant sur l'oiseau automate au chatoyant plumage et bec en ivoire, bordé de perles, sur un fond décoré de feuilles de lierre et entrelacs, la bâte gravée de rinceaux et rosaces, le mouvement inscrit: A320/ Charles Bruguier père/ Grand Pré 518 / à Genève / 1828, dans son étui original, avec sa clé

rectangular, the oval lid painted en plein with a cluster of summer flowers, lifting to reveal the automaton bird with handsome plumage and ivory beak, split pearl border, the ground decorated with engraved ivy leaves within strapwork, the sides engraved with scroll and rosette panels, the movement  inscribed: A320/ Charles Bruguier père/ Grand Pré 518 / à Genève / 1828, in original leather case, with key

in remarquably good condition. Bird is currently functioning, moving and singing well. Sotheby's do not, however, guarantee the functioning of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

RELATED LITERATURE:

Sharon & Christian Bailly, Oiseaux de Bonheur, Geneva 2001, pp. 262-294, for a detailed biography of the Bruguier family and extensive illustrations of their works

Charles-Abraham Bruguier père, son of établisseur Jacques-François Bruguier, was born in Geneva in 1788. He was trained as a clockmaker, moving to London in 1815 where his son Abraham-Charles, known as Charles, was born on 25 November 1818 and christened with his younger sister Louise Pernette at St Anne's Soho on 26 November 1822. The following year the family returned to Geneva and it is at this point apparently that Charles-Abraham began to making singing bird boxes, taking time between 1833 and 1837 to work at the Paur musical box factory near Montbéliard. According to Sharon Bailly, it was not until 1843 that Bruguier acquired property in the rue Grand-Pré and moved his workshop there, continuing to work separately from his son, until his death in 1862. Whereas certain aspects of this unusual box such as the size and rather basic (although efficient) nature of the movement would suggest  an earlier origin, others such as the case, the number A320, and the address would suggest an early date between 1843 and 1862.