Objects with musical mechanism and automaton

Singing bird box

    Singing bird box

    Switzerland, Geneve

    circa 1925

    VACHERON & CONSTANTIN

    Silver, brass, steel, painted feathers; gilding, guilloche painted enamel

    3.9 х 10 х 6 cm, 516 gr

    On the bottom "SWISS", "912"

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    Box in rectangular silver case, top and lateral sides are covered with transparent blue enamel over guilloche. Thin enamel colorful images of flowers, leaves and butterflies are over dark-blue enamel. Each panel is framed by a chased silver border with floral ornaments. An oval lid with a painted pastoral scene is in the centre of the top panel. Bouquet of roses on turquoise background is on the inner side of the lid. Blue enamel clock dial with two hands, Arabic numerals and minutes graduation in chased frame is in the center of the front surface. A sliding lever for switching on the movement is on the right side of the case. The key for winding the movement and the clock's winding crown are fixed on the bottom side. The inscription «SWISS" and a three-digit number are stamped on the bottom. The oval lid opens automatically during the operation of the movement and a tiny bird in painted feathers appears. It spins, flaps its wings and tail, turns the head, opens and closes the beak; the sound movement  imitates bird's chirping. On completion of the movement's work the bird is hiden under the guilded engraved openwork lattice and the lid descends.

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    Инв.4469/ДПИ