Singing bird snuffbox
Singing bird snuffbox
Switzerland, Geneva
circa 1820
Philippe Prochietto, Charles Bruguier
Gold, diamonds, brass, steel, feathers , enamel; engraving, intaille, gem stones setting, painted enamel, champlevé enamel
3.5 x 9 x 5.7 cm
On the lid painted enamel: “Prochet”; on the movement: “C. Bruguier á Genève 221”, on the case: “Charles Bruguier au Grand Prés 518 á Genève”; hand-written numeral «221», furthermore inscribed: “G.J. Jaccard 298 Broadway N.Y.”
Gold and diamond-set singing bird box. The brass movement with chain fusée, stacked cams, fly regulator and rectangular bellow, entirely engine-turned and engraved foliage decorated rectangular box, the sides with "taille-douce" engraved classical landscapes, the lid with chased and engraved acanthus, foliage, black and turquoise-blue champlevé enamel scroll decoration, black enamel bezel set with a rose-cut diamond ring, a slide to the front opening the hinged oval lid decorated with a painted polychrome enamel miniature signed "Prochet", depicting putti, a dove and flowers, opening to reveal a finely pierced and engraved scroll decorated lattice and to release the colourfully plumed bird, rotating on its axis, chirping, flapping its wings, wagging its tail, turning its head and opening its beak; hinged backwards key compartment.
Инв.3368.46A/ДПИ