Shelf Animated
C.1890, Swiss, A. Leschot, Singing Bird box in very good original condition.
Over 100 years before this box was made, Jean-Frederick Leschot, assisted in the invention of the variable piston whistle which made it possible to mimic various bird's particular whistles, and even melodies became possible (as in the carved whistlers selling previous to this lot). This ormolu box is nicely tooled, with winged nymphs and scrolls on the top, and floral designs on the 4 sides. The mechanism and bird have been restored and the box is in playing order. The gilding is worn on high spots; Leschot signature is on front rigHeight corner and you need a loop to read it clearly.
C.1935, German, Whistling Accordion Player. This is a figure of a man playing an accordion.
The clockwork whistling mechanism is wound with a key from the rear, and the head turns from side to side while he whistles. This example is in nice condition with muted colors and nicely carved. Virtually all of these whistling figures were made by the Karl Griesbaum Co.. Height 13.25Ó $850-$950
C.1935, German, Singing Bird in Cage, and in excellent original condition.
This is a well made item with good bellows unit (not one of the post war plastic types), and it sings loudly and briskly. The yellow and green bird is fully animated, with twitching tail feathers moving head and beak that opens with each note. Ready to enjoy as-is. Height 12Ó $400-$600
C.1900, French, Singing Birds in Cage, and in generally good original condition.
This is a large two bird model, with a large red bird on the center perch and a grayish green bird on the deck. The movement is a combination of wood/brass/steel and the heads of both birds turn, tail feathers flutter, and beaks move to each twitter. The bellows are leaking a bit and these birds are not singing to full volume (but they do sing). Also the birds need some feather restoration here and there; the cage and base are excellent. A hard to find item that is nice enough to be enjoyed as is. Height 22Ó $2,000-$2,500
German Bird Cage clock,
bird moves with each tick. Metal case is 5 inches high. Runs.
THIS IS A FRENCH AUTOMATON ROCKING SHIP MANTEL CLOCK IN A GILT AND BRONZE CASE CIRCA 1810-1825.
WITH AN 8 DAY SILK THREAD SUSPENSION MOVEMENT THAT STRIKES THE HOURS AND 1/2 HOURS ON A BELL. THE AUTOMATION IS OF A ROCKING SHIP ON THE OCEAN. THE MARKING ON THE SHIP MOVEMENT ARE: T C CAILLY, EUDE, AND BREVETE. Additional keywords: mantel, mantle, shelf
THIS IS A FRENCH AUTOMATON ROCKING SHIP MANTEL CLOCK IN A GILT CASE CIRCA 1810-1825.
WITH A 8 DAY MOVEMENT WITH A SILK THREAD SUSPENSION THAT STRIKES THE HOURS AND 1/2 HOURS ON A BELL. THE CLOCK SITS ON AN INLAID BASE. THE AUTOMATION IS OF A ROCKING SHIP ON THE OCEAN. THE MARKING ON THE SHIP MOVEMENT ARE: T C CAILLY, EUDE AND BREVETE. Additional keywords: mantel, mantle, shelf
THIS IS A FRENCH AUTOMATON ROCKING SHIP MANTEL CLOCK IN AN EBONISED WOOD CASE. CIRCA 1810-1825.
WITH ORMOLU DECORATIONS. THE 8 DAY MAIN CLOCK MOVEMENT HAS A SILK THREAD SUSPENSION AND STRIKES THE HOURS AND 1/2 HOURS ON A BELL. THE AUTOMATION IS OF A ROLLING WAVE WITH A ROCKING SHIP ON THE OCEAN. Additional keywords: mantel, mantle, shelf
Lux Clock Co. 4 inch square case with "Beer Drinkers".
Animated arm brings beer to his mouth and back down with each tick. 30 hour movement, runs.
C.1835, French "Magician" automaton clock in very good original condition.
This ormolu and bronze clock was certainly inspired by the work of J. F. Houdin (father-in-law of Robert Houdin), whose examples are well known. In this clock a Blackamoor in formal dress stands behind his magic table with star studded drape, and lifts his gold cups alternatively, producing varying balls and dice and mystifying the audience with his slight of hand.