11
A Charming Gilt Birdcage with Singing Birds Automaton, by Reuge
Estimate:
1,000 CAD - 2,000 CAD
Sold
2,400 CAD
Timed Auction
BOUTIQUE JEWELS AUCTION
Description
The gilded cage containing two birds with coloured genuine feathers, principally in blue tones. The birds open their beaks to sing and whistle, turn their heads, raise their tails, swivel, flap their wings, all through the action of a clockwork mechanism enclosed in the base of the cage. The movement is wound-up on the underside, and has two settings, for constant or occasional movement and singing. Bellows and whistles function to provide realistic sound from this entirely clockwork mechanism.
The cage is gold plated, with alternate polished and twisted wires from the top to the base. The cage is accompanied by a hanging bracket to utilize the ring at the top, and with a cover to place over the cage.
There is a row of simulated rubies around the base of the ring at the top of the cage.
Automaton birds in cages were very popular in the 19th Century. The mechanism to operate them is extremely complex to produce such sound and movement. This automaton is modern, and in excellent condition.
Reuge was first established in 1865, and the company, today, still based in Switzerland, has a focus on clockwork automatons, music boxes, and pocket watches.
Condition
Dimensions: 11.5 inch high, 6.25 inch wide, or 30 cm by 16.5cm
Condition reports are provided as a courtesy to clients and are a qualified subjective opinion only. All items are sold ‘as is’.
For more information on specific lots, please contact our jewellery specialists at conditionreports@dupuis.ca
Bidding on lots is scheduled to close in numerical order with 30 second intervals, on February 10 at 1 PM EST. However, if there is a bid placed in the last 10 minutes of the closing time, the bidding will be extended for an additional 10 minutes for that Lot. Therefore, depending on bidding activity, it is possible that some lots will not close in numerical order.
Please note, each lot is subject to a buyer’s premium of 25% up to and including $100,000 and 20% on the amount in excess of $100,000. The total purchase price is the aggregate of the bid price plus the buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes.
Condition reports are provided as a courtesy to clients and are a qualified subjective opinion only. All items are sold ‘as is’.
For more information on specific lots, please contact our jewellery specialists at conditionreports@dupuis.ca
Bidding on lots is scheduled to close in numerical order with 30 second intervals, on February 10 at 1 PM EST. However, if there is a bid placed in the last 10 minutes of the closing time, the bidding will be extended for an additional 10 minutes for that Lot. Therefore, depending on bidding activity, it is possible that some lots will not close in numerical order.
Please note, each lot is subject to a buyer’s premium of 25% up to and including $100,000 and 20% on the amount in excess of $100,000. The total purchase price is the aggregate of the bid price plus the buyer’s premium and any applicable taxes.
