113
A French Singing Bird Automaton Clock
Estimate: $8,000-$12,000
Passed
Live Auction
European Furniture and Decorative Arts
Location
Chicago
Description
A French Singing Bird Automaton Clock
Attributed to Bontems, Late 19th Century
the clock movement stamped 'H & F / Paris' and numbered '22', further bearing the Medaille De Bronze/ S. Marti et Cie seal.
Height (including glass cloche) 28 x width 24 x depth 11 inches.
This lot is located in Chicago.
Condition
in overall good, stable, working condition. The glass dome intact without significant cracks or loses. The base with some areas of loss to gilt decoration and exposed gesso. The clock takes a wind and appears to run with the bell chiming on the half and full hours, not tested for accuracy nor duration. The "drinking" bird on the base, the two humming birds in the tree and the owl surmounting the tree all move. The bellows also work. The lower hummingbird with some heavier loss to feather decoration. Additional images and a video of automaton in operation available upon request.