Objects with musical mechanism and automaton

Singing bird snuffbox

    Singing bird snuffbox

    Switzerland, Geneve

    circa 1860

    Bruguier, Charles-Abraham (The Senior)

    Silver, gold, platinum, brass, steel, feathers; gilding, guilloche, engraving, gem stones setting

    3.4 x 9.5 x 6.1 cm, 458 gr

    On the movement: "C. BRUGUIER GENEVE”; number "545"

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    A box with singing bird in gilded silver case, with chased ornament from multicolored gold, diamonds and pearls. Chiselled surface on the top panel with volumetric yellow foliage pattern and red gold engraved onlays that are fixed with platinum nails. An oval aperture is in the center. A rim of red gold ornament and elements of seed pearls frames it. A hinged lid with chased composition of a bunch of flowers with diamonds on dark blue enamel background is on the inner side. It is mirror polished from the inner side. The guilloche surface with the Moresque ornament is on the lateral sides. The surface with the rosettes-shaped ornament in wide frame is on the bottom side. A keyhole for the spring winding is in one of the rosettes. Tobacco compartment with a hinged lid is on the rear side. Papyrus stems-shaped ornament is on the vertical ribs. A sliding onlay with the lever for activating the bird is on the front side.

    The oval lid opens automatically when the movement is activated. A tiny bird in bright plumage appears on the open work engraved surface. It spins, flaps its wings and tail, turns the head, opens and closes the beak. The sound movement imitates the bird's chirping. The movement stops, the bird hides and the lid descends. The bird's movement is spring driven, with a fusee - system of stabilization of the spring force. The maker's mark and product number are on the movement. The key with round grip and cylindrical rod and square cross-section aperture.

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    Инв.2876/ДПИ