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Breguet Singing Bird Box
- This stunning bird box was a rare collaboration between Breguet and Bontems
- It combines Breguet’s legacy of precision with Bontems’ mastery of lifelike mechanical birds
- Bontems was among the most accomplished makers of singing bird automata in 19th-century France
- The box is pictured in Christian Bailly’s authoritative study of singing bird automata
- Get complete item description here
$98,500
Item No.
32-2455
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Description
Breguet Singing Bird Box
Handcrafted 1945
This exquisite gilded brass singing bird box was crafted and retailed by the celebrated watchmaker Breguet. It was almost certainly specially ordered and one of only two singing bird automata the famed firm ever completed. It is fitted with an ingenious automaton movement by Alfred Bontems. Combining Breguet’s legacy of precision with Bontems’ mastery of lifelike mechanical birds, it represents an exceptional union of horological innovation and decorative. . .
Handcrafted 1945
This exquisite gilded brass singing bird box was crafted and retailed by the celebrated watchmaker Breguet. It was almost certainly specially ordered and one of only two singing bird automata the famed firm ever completed. It is fitted with an ingenious automaton movement by Alfred Bontems. Combining Breguet’s legacy of precision with Bontems’ mastery of lifelike mechanical birds, it represents an exceptional union of horological innovation and decorative. . .
Read More
Breguet Singing Bird Box
Handcrafted 1945
This exquisite gilded brass singing bird box was crafted and retailed by the celebrated watchmaker Breguet. It was almost certainly specially ordered and one of only two singing bird automata the famed firm ever completed. It is fitted with an ingenious automaton movement by Alfred Bontems. Combining Breguet’s legacy of precision with Bontems’ mastery of lifelike mechanical birds, it represents an exceptional union of horological innovation and decorative artistry.
The elegant case is engine-turned with intricate geometric motifs, while the underside bears the winding aperture and Breguet signature. When the case is opened, a delicate feathered bird automatically emerges and begins to sing, turning from side to side while moving its beak, wings and tail in perfect rhythm. Remarkably, the bird retreats the moment the case is closed, even if its song has not yet ended.
To realize this extraordinary creation, Breguet turned to master automaton maker Alfred Bontems. Renowned for the naturalism of his mechanisms and the clarity of their songs, Bontems transformed ingenious objects into captivating works of mechanical art. This rare example is further distinguished by its provenance noted by the Breguet archives and its inclusion in Flights of Fancy, Christian Bailly’s authoritative study of singing bird automata.
Provenance:
Breguet, Paris
Sold to Mr. Ducos
Private collection, Belgium/New York
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Literature:
Christian Bailly, Flights of Fancy: Mechanical Singing Birds, p. 316, illustrated
Handcrafted 1945
This exquisite gilded brass singing bird box was crafted and retailed by the celebrated watchmaker Breguet. It was almost certainly specially ordered and one of only two singing bird automata the famed firm ever completed. It is fitted with an ingenious automaton movement by Alfred Bontems. Combining Breguet’s legacy of precision with Bontems’ mastery of lifelike mechanical birds, it represents an exceptional union of horological innovation and decorative artistry.
The elegant case is engine-turned with intricate geometric motifs, while the underside bears the winding aperture and Breguet signature. When the case is opened, a delicate feathered bird automatically emerges and begins to sing, turning from side to side while moving its beak, wings and tail in perfect rhythm. Remarkably, the bird retreats the moment the case is closed, even if its song has not yet ended.
To realize this extraordinary creation, Breguet turned to master automaton maker Alfred Bontems. Renowned for the naturalism of his mechanisms and the clarity of their songs, Bontems transformed ingenious objects into captivating works of mechanical art. This rare example is further distinguished by its provenance noted by the Breguet archives and its inclusion in Flights of Fancy, Christian Bailly’s authoritative study of singing bird automata.
Provenance:
Breguet, Paris
Sold to Mr. Ducos
Private collection, Belgium/New York
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Literature:
Christian Bailly, Flights of Fancy: Mechanical Singing Birds, p. 316, illustrated
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 20th Century |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Bird Boxes |
| Depth: | 4.0 in. (10.16 cm) |
| Width: | 5.5 in. (13.97 cm) |
| Height: | 1.75 in. (4.45 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
