Lot 385
Rare Late 19th Century Bontems Tortoise Shell Gold and Gilt Silver Singing Bird Box. Beautiful 1890s Bontems gold and gilt silver singing bird box. Encased in tortoise shell, this is not a music box, but a highly crafted automaton that when wound, bird arises from the decorated gilt gold lid and begins chirping in the sweetest of tones. The bird itself is in excellent, itself a marvel of craftsmanship dressed with iridescent hummingbird feathers. Tortoise shell box has almost no evidence of handling, original key hides in a compartment at rear of box. Winds from the bottom 1¼ x 4 x 2¾". Automaton works beautifully and the bird sound, incredible. However box could use some minor regulating as the bird need careful help retreating into the box and the wings flap slowly. Otherwise remarkable given its 125+ years. These pieces were very expensive in their day and are highly prized and treasured today. Original invoice included which was in excess of $9000 purchased in April, 2000. Estimate Value $2,500 - 3,000
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| Realized $3,360 |
