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266
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Bontems-type SINGING BIRD CAGE
In a varnished brass cage, a …
See original version (French)
266
-
Bontems-type SINGING BIRD CAGE
In a varnished brass cage, a …
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
Voluntary lot
Description
Bontems-type SINGING BIRD CAGE
In a varnished brass cage, a songbird (Red-backed Tanager) perched on a support with very incomplete ivy around it.
The bird opens its beak, turns its head and wags its tail as it sings.
The scroll-decorated base contains the musical mechanism with piston, double-acting bellows and valve.
Condition: The ivy braid is missing. The movement is perfectly functional at the time of inspection, and the singing is very powerful and melodious (see video). It will nevertheless be necessary to clean and overhaul the mechanism to ensure it remains in perfect condition. The mechanism is similar to those made in Paris by Bontems, although there is no stamp on the plates.
Late 19th - 20th century.
Height : 52 cm. Width: 28 cm.
These mechanisms were developed by Blaise Bontems (1814-1881) who lived on rue de Cléry. His son Charles-Jules perfected the process and Lucien, his grandson, took over until 1956 in partnership with Monsieur Clavel.
Bibliography:
- Tintin Actualités, n° 286, April 1954, p. 4/5 and 8.
- Henri Nicole, Les jouets, ce qu'il y a dedans, Dentu, 1869.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Lot description modified on 06/05/2026 at 12:34 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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