Jacques Bruguier Singing-Bird Box
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This rectangular singing-bird box automaton is catalogued under Jacques Bruguier of Geneva and dated circa 1870. The case is constructed from tortoiseshell panels decorated with three-colour gold and mother-of-pearl floral inlays.
An oval lid conceals the automaton opening, featuring an enameled exterior scene of an Alpine waterfall and an interior floral spray against a pale blue ground. When operated, a miniature feathered bird emerges through a pierced gilt grille. The source describes the internal movement as a key-wound brass mechanism utilizing a fusee and chain, bellows, and cams.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1870
- Type
- Singing-bird box automaton
- Dimensions
- 62.6 mm length x 94.2 mm width x 33.1 mm height
- Case Materials
- Tortoise-shell, gold, mother-of-pearl and enamel
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker attribution
- Jacques Bruguier, Geneva
- Movement Mechanism
- Brass, fusee and chain with bellows and cams
- Maker / attribution
- Jacques Bruguier
Design
- Visible features
- • An articulated miniature feathered bird rests on a pierced gilt grille within an oval opening. • The interior of the open oval lid reveals a painted floral spray against a pale blue ground. • A gold slide or pull tab is positioned on the upper front side to operate the mechanism. • The rectangular tortoiseshell case features inlaid floral motifs and border banding in multi-coloured gold and mother-of-pearl.
- Automaton Mechanism
- The mechanism is a rectangular brass singing-bird movement featuring a fusee and chain, bellows, and cams. It is wound by a key, with a compartment for the key located at the back of the cabinet. A gold pull tab located on the right side of the cabinet operates the mechanism. When activated, an articulated bird emerges through a pierced grille, moving its wings, beak, and tail while pivoting from side to side. The device is powered by a barrel spring.
- Attribution and Documentation
- The automaton is attributed to Jacques Bruguier of Geneva, with a date estimated at circa 1870. The object bears a signature on the movement plate and on the retractable plate/grille beneath the bird. Condition grading provided in the source categorizes the case as 3 (Good) and the movement as 2. Not all internal components are described as verified by the current documentation.
- Construction and Exterior Decoration
- The object is a horizontal, rectangular singing-bird box with a cabinet constructed from tortoise-shell panels. The exterior is decorated on all sides with mother-of-pearl and three-coloured gold inlays featuring a partially engraved floral motif. The lid of the bird compartment contains an oval painted enamel panel depicting a mountain landscape. The specific scene is not definitively confirmed; it is described as a mountain view reminiscent of either the Staubbach waterfall or the Pissevache waterfall.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Internal movement plates, fusee chain, and bellows are concealed inside the case and not visible in the provided image.
- Research required: The source notes that the movement is signed on the plate and retractable grill, but this signature is not legibly visible in the primary photograph.