Charles Brugier (1788-1862) Singing Bird Automaton Box

mid-19th century, Geneva, Switzerland, No. 499, the rectangular box with canted and rounded corners, the sides and underside engraved with flowers on a guilloche ground, the lid with Swiss enameled panels of flowers centering an oval lid with Alpine landscape opening, by means of a sliding switch on the front of the box, to reveal a mechanical songbird with flapping wings; the winding key concealed in a compartment on the back of the box, with fusee mechanism signed "C. Brugier Geneve".
h. 1-1/2", w. 3-3/4", d. 2-3/8"

Beautiful and unique lot in overall good condition. There is oxidation to the gilt metal, possibly bronze or brass. The enamel with small nicks, scuffs, and losses to the corners, but the colors of the flowers and Alpine landscape are still extremely vibrant with nice detail. Fine enameling in very good condition with good detail. It opens to reveal a bright grille and to release the colorful bird. The bird himself is in very good condition - no losses to his feathers or beak. He rotates on his axis, chirping, flapping his wings, wagging his tail, turning his head, and opening his beak. The body, head, wings, tail, and beak all move very well. The birdsong is good. Winding is required - the winding key is found in a compartment on the back on the box - and the switch must be moved to begin the song, but it closes by itself without issue when the song is done playing when wound properly.