- 228
A Swiss gold and enamel singing bird box, Charles-Abraham Bruguier, Geneva, Circa 1850
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- signed on the movement C. Bruguier a Genève
- Gold, Enamel, Hummingbird Feathers
- length 3 5/8 in.
- 9.3cm
rectangular, the oval lid painted en plein with a lakeside chalet opening to reveal a feathered bird, the surface engraved with flowers, in a brass-bound fruitwood marquetry case with mother-of-pearl panel
Provenance
Sotheby's, Geneva, 18-19 May 1998, lot 163
Condition
top quality movement, the bellows defective because bird sound now slight, top of bird's beak missing; functions are body turns, head turns, wings flap, beak no longer opens; the enamel cover does not fully close, box and gold work crisp; please note, that although pictured, this lot does not include a key
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Charles-Abraham Bruguier, son of Jacques-François, was born in Geneva in 1788. He, and the two sons who succeeded him, perfected the art of singing bird mechanisms and gave their artificial birds a particularly mellow and recognisable song tone.