Singing Bird Automaton by Blaise Bontems

19th century

Sold by Jane Short Antiques

Description

A rare and lovely singing bird in cage by French Clockmaker Blaise Bontems (1814-1893).

It works beautifully with the bird moving its head, beak and tail, while singing very loudly and realistically.

This particular automaton is original and has only been lovingly cleaned. The mechanism has been checked and lightly lubricated. The mechanism works well and is totally original. See photo.

Circa 1880.

If you would like a video of the bird in action please let us know.

Blaise Bontems was a French specialist in the manufacture of automaton singing birds and the first of a dynasty of automaton manufacturers, which included his son Charles Jules and his grandson Lucien.

Bontems' birds were famous for the realism of their song.

Born: 15 March 1814, Le Ménil, France

Died: 19 June 1893 (age 79 years) Paris, France.

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Physical Dimensions

Height

29cm (11.42")

Width

14.5cm (5.71")

Depth

14.5cm (5.71")

Declaration

Jane Short Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1166083

Dealers Internal Reference

A4748

Description

A rare and lovely singing bird in cage by French Clockmaker Blaise Bontems (1814-1893).

“

It works beautifully with the bird moving its head, beak and tail, while singing very loudly and realistically.

Jane Short Antiques

fig 1. Singing Bird Automaton By Blaise Bontems — fig 1. Singing Bird Automaton by Blaise Bontems

This particular automaton is original and has only been lovingly cleaned. The mechanism has been checked and lightly lubricated. The mechanism works well and is totally original. See photo.

Circa 1880.

fig 2. Singing Bird Automaton By Blaise Bontems — fig 2. Singing Bird Automaton by Blaise Bontems

If you would like a video of the bird in action please let us know.

Blaise Bontems was a French specialist in the manufacture of automaton singing birds and the first of a dynasty of automaton manufacturers, which included his son Charles Jules and his grandson Lucien.