Lot #5381
Tortoiseshell and Enamel Singing Bird Box Retailed by Patek Philippe
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Introduction
Few mechanical objects offer the immediate delight of a singing bird box. Concealed beneath a decorative enamelled lid, a miniature feathered bird emerges to perform an enchanting routine, turning its head, fluttering its wings and opening its beak in accompaniment to its song. Within a case small enough to rest in the palm of a hand, an intricate mechanism transforms stored mechanical energy into a remarkable combination of sound and movement. These ingenious automatons represent a fascinating branch of nineteenth-century Swiss craftsmanship, bringing together the skills of watchmakers, specialist mechanicians, enamellers and decorative artisans.
Dating to circa 1880, the present example was retailed by Patek Philippe in Geneva and contains an unsigned mechanism attributed to Charles-Abraham Bruguier the Younger, a member of the celebrated Geneva family of singing bird makers. The tortoiseshell case is surmounted by a miniature painted enamel scene depicting a Swiss Alpine lakeside landscape, while a hinged compartment at the rear provides storage for the winding key. Particularly noteworthy is the accompanying original Patek Philippe leather presentation box, which retains an octagonal identification label bearing the number 1333. Although best known for its watches, Patek Philippe also retailed exceptional mechanical objects produced by specialist craftsmen, including singing bird boxes. These creations provide a fascinating glimpse into the wider world of Geneva's nineteenth-century luxury trade, when mechanical ingenuity and decorative artistry frequently came together in objects designed as much to entertain as to impress
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Original Patek Philippe Leather Presentation Box and Winding Key
Est. value range
$40,000 – $60,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
96 × 64 × 32mm
Model
Singing Bird Box
Movement
Mechanical, Chain Fusée with Bellows
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
N/A
Year
Circa 1880
Condition
Excellent
Material
Tortoiseshell, Gilt Metal and Enamel
Included
Original Patek Philippe Leather Presentation Box and Winding Key
Dial Color
N/A
THE CASE
The rectangular tortoiseshell case features a decorative lid incorporating a miniature hand-painted enamel scene of a Swiss Alpine lakeside landscape. The enamel panel surrounds the hinged opening through which the bird emerges. A separate compartment at the rear of the case conceals the winding key, maintaining the elegant appearance of the exterior while providing access to the mechanism.
THE AUTOMATON
The mechanical movement employs a chain fusée and bellows system to produce the bird's song and coordinate its movements. When activated, the miniature feathered bird rises through the hinged opening, turning its head, moving its wings and opening its beak in time with the music. The mechanism is unsigned but attributed to Charles-Abraham Bruguier the Younger.
THE PATEK PHILIPPE CONNECTION
During the nineteenth century, Patek Philippe retailed selected mechanical objects produced by specialist Geneva craftsmen alongside its watches. The accompanying original leather presentation box bears the Patek Philippe & Co. signature and retains an octagonal identification label numbered 1333. This surviving presentation material provides an important connection to the firm's historic retail activities.
Condition
Singing bird box is in overall excellent condition. The singing bird mechanism is functioning, with the bird emerging and performing its song and movements as intended. The miniature enamel decoration shows an area of loss near the hinged opening. The tortoiseshell case exhibits cracks throughout, particularly towards the rear of the box. Comes with original Patek Philippe leather presentation box and winding key. As this singing bird box does not contain a watch, it is not eligible for a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.
Please note: A service is recommended, as the date of the last cleaning or overhaul is unknown.
Our Perspective
A singing bird box offers a wonderfully different expression of mechanical craftsmanship, transforming an intricate movement into a miniature performance. The Patek Philippe retail connection, original presentation box and attributed Bruguier mechanism make this an especially intriguing example of nineteenth-century Geneva artistry.
John Reardon
Collectability.com
