311,500 CHF
The Duet Charles Abraham Bruguier, Geneva, No. 61, ebauche from Freres Rochat, circa 1840. Magnificent and highly important gilt bronze miniature singing bird cage with center-seconds petite son-nerie clock, the two birds singing on the hour or at will. Octagonal base, side panels very finely chased with roses and scrolling, molded cornice and sub-base, clock in the front surrounded by a chiseled bezel, front panel with winding, setting, and regulating arbors, activation lever at the left edge. The cage, following the shape of the base, supported on four sets of two Corinthian columns, the cage itself formed of filigree gilt screens of geometrical and foliate pattern. The dome stands on a molded gilt base, matching the lower part, the eight panels of the dome formed of alternating segments of geometrical and foliate pierced panels, the gold cage floor pierced and engraved with scrolling and rosette in the center. Inside two nightingales rest on two gilt bars. Gilt ring handle mounted in gilt finial set in double leaf rosette, winged dragon feet. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions. Gold Breguet hands. Circular, 46.8 mm, brass, early bridge calibre, hanging barrel, cylinder escapement, three-arm gilt balance with blued steel flat balance spring, rack and pinion regulator. Singing bird movement: Octagonal, 93 x 80 mm, brass, fusee and chain, circular bellows, six-wheel train (including fusee), 3rd wheel arbor set with eight spring-loaded cams which m Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-04-24
