Lot 309
- 309
A silver-gilt and enamel singing bird timepiece, C.A. Marguerat, Swiss, circa 1925
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A silver-gilt and enamel singing bird timepiece, C.A. Marguerat, Swiss, circa 1925
- silver-gilt, enamel
- 14.8cm., 9 1/4 in. high
the clock with gilt dial with Arabic numerals and small alarm-actuated dial within, behind domed glass front, the bezel and rectangular case in primrose-yellow guilloché enamel with painted floral motifs, flanked by two silver-gilt fluted columns on a rectangular base, the top inset with an oval lid, decorated with view of the château de Chillon on Lake Geneva, lifting to present the feathered automaton trilling, dancing and flapping its wings, the sides engine-turned with garlands of roses, maker's mark CM, Swiss mark, further struck: 935, in fitted brown leather case with key
Condition
In overall good condition, the base of the right column loose.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Charles-Armand Marguerat (1887-1931) was born at Lutry near Lausanne but set up business in Geneva around 1914. From 1915-19 he styled himself as ‘fabricant de montres’ (watchmaker), working from 9 rue de Savoie. From about 1920 until his death in 1931 he moved to Avenue de la Gare des Eux Vives 18, where he advertised the ‘Manufacture d'Oiseaux Chantant’. He is noted for rectangular boxes with a small round timepiece mounted on two pillars above the box, such as the present example. The clock mechanism can be set to trigger the bird box in the same way as an alarm, or the box may be played independently.