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Gold Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
- This singing bird box by Charles Bruguier represents one of the finest examples of the rare automata
- Its finely chased rectangular case is crafted in 14K yellow gold with enamel accents
- A delicate bird emerges from its enamel-painted lid to sing its delightful song
- Bruguier's technique for recreating the bird's song achieved striking realism, producing an astoundingly beautiful sound
- Get complete item description here
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Charles Bruguier
Circa 1840
An exceptionally rare 19th-century automaton treasure, this gold singing bird box was created by Charles Abraham Bruguier of Geneva circa 1840. One of only a few known examples of its kind, it embodies the extraordinary craftsmanship that has made Bruguier's work among the most coveted mechanical masterpieces of the era.
Crafted in gold, the case is richly chased with ivy tendrils, floral scrolls and geometric borders.. . .
Charles Bruguier
Circa 1840
An exceptionally rare 19th-century automaton treasure, this gold singing bird box was created by Charles Abraham Bruguier of Geneva circa 1840. One of only a few known examples of its kind, it embodies the extraordinary craftsmanship that has made Bruguier's work among the most coveted mechanical masterpieces of the era.
Crafted in gold, the case is richly chased with ivy tendrils, floral scrolls and geometric borders. At its center, a hand-painted enamel oval depicts a beautiful view of Mont Blanc. When the lever is activated, the lid opens to reveal a remarkably lifelike bird adorned with real feathers. As it sings a vibrant melody, the bird turns its head, flaps its wings and tail and rotates with captivating realism. Beneath this enchanting display lies a signed and numbered fusee movement (No. 598) with an intricate eight-cam song sequence, a highly sophisticated mechanism that delivers exceptionally consistent power and an unusually complex, naturalistic birdsong. Reserved for the finest Swiss automata, fusee movements required extraordinary precision to manufacture and are rarely encountered in surviving singing bird boxes.
Charles Abraham Bruguier (1788–1862), the last true heir to the Jaquet-Droz tradition, honed his craft in Geneva and London. He elevated singing bird mechanisms with remarkable refinement, building upon the innovations of Les Frères Rochat and Jaquet-Droz. Bruguier's technique for recreating birdsong achieved striking realism, producing an exceptionally lifelike sound. His creations endure as mechanical masterpieces, blending sound, motion and the finest ornament.
1 1/2" high x 3 3/4" wide x 2 1/4" deep
Provenance:
Private collection, Belgium/New York
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | Switzerland |
| Type: | Bird Boxes |
| Depth: | 2.25 in. (5.72 cm) |
| Width: | 3.75 in. (9.53 cm) |
| Height: | 1.5 in. (3.81 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
