A similar Bontems automaton, with three birds, was sold from an apartment by Jacques Grange; Christie's, London, 19 November 2010, lot 614 (£9,375, including premium). This bird automaton was used as a prop by Lord Snowdon in his early career.
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
In overall fairly good condition. The giltwood base dirty and rubbed revealing bole layers beneath. Two corners scuffed revealing white gesso, would benefit from minor restoration or regilding. The cage itself overall sound but with some denting and bending to the wire "bars" and the top frieze section to one side loose from a small break at the corner, which would benefit from restoration. The bird and interior dirty and dusty. Christie's does not guarentee the working order of musical boxes or automatons, and this lot is sold as a decorative object only.
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Lot 121Sale 19648
ALMOST CERTAINLY BY BONTEMS, CIRCA 1900A SINGING BIRD AUTOMATONEstimate: GBP 1,200 - 1,800
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