An automaton singing bird mantel clock, striking... - Lot 216 - Chayette & Cheval

Lot 216
Go to lot
Estimation :
4000 - 5000 EUR
Result without fees
Result : 13 500EUR
An automaton singing bird mantel clock, striking... - Lot 216 - Chayette & Cheval
An automaton singing bird mantel clock, striking at the half-hour mark, signed (dial), 'A. Pygmalion Constantinople', circa 1880. Blue enamel ring dial inlaid with white and black enamel plates for the Roman hours, visible escapement, painted metal hands; round movement signed 'A J (in an oval) 342', and marked 'Made in France', visible anchor escapement with its compensated balance. On the dial, gong chimes, articulated arm for triggering the automata mounted on the back plate. Bronze and brass case, originally gilt, glazed on three sides and decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamel. It contains two colourful plumage automaton birds that sing, turn their heads, open their beaks and (only one) move their tails. Movement for the steel and brass barrel automatons with flywheel, bird song by music box with blower and (approximately) thirty-six-comb pitted drum. The two movements are independent with their own control levers. The birds in their habitat are presented in front of a landscape dominated by a river, painted on the inside of the case. This one is surmounted by two doves. H. 53cm ; W. 28cm ; D. 16.7cm. Clock revised twenty years ago; cleaning recommended. Only a desk compendium with wheels including clock, barometer and thermometer is referenced for this dealer "A. Pygmalion à Constantinple". For a similar clock by Bontems, to whom ours may be attributed, but with a more austere cabinet containing a single bird, see Christian Sharon Bailly, Oiseaux de bonheur, tabatières et automates, Geneva 2001, 328.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue