|
|
This is a very rare musical automaton featuring six birds, four of which are animated, with flowing "waterfall" and a "sailing"ship. Only one other is known to exist and that was in the famous Murtaugh Guiness Collection. Upon his death, a duplicate of the one we now offer was donated to the Morris Museum in New York. With paid admission, the Guiness Collecton is now on display.
This is the finest example of Bontems' creativity we have ever offered. This automation is circa 1890 and featured on pages 56-57 of Christian Bailly's book, "AUTOMATA, The Golden Age, 1848-1914" published by Sotheby's Publications in 1987.
NOTE:The automaton pictured here is the Murtaugh Guinness piece. The piece we are offering is a duplicate EXCEPT our's will have a glass dome, custom made in Germany. This will then have a height of about 28 inches.
The six birds function as follows:
- The top bird "flys" into the tree with wings flapping.
- In the middle, there are two more birds. On the right is a female bird on her nest (not automated)
- On the left side is a small, non-animated bird looking for "meal" at the base of the tree.
- A little lower on the right side is a small bird that "jumps" from limb-to-limb (back and fourth).
- On the left side of the base (see pictures) is a large animated bird "drinking" from the "pool" at the base of the "flowing" waterfall.
- On the right side, is another animated bird that is enjoying a "meal" of seeds and insects from under the tree.
- A passing "sailing ship" rocks in the foreground.
Five of the seven elements of this wonderful piece are animated and move as the four-tune musical box in the base accompany the automaton.
As shown, the automaton contains a large, porcieln face, two train, eight-day, VERY HIGH QUALITY antique FRENCH clock.
(Available in early 2007. Get in line. This is worth waiting in line to acquire.)
Inventory Item #376 on the
"Availibility and Price List".
Go to COTPS Homepage
Updated August 6, 2006
|
