French Automaton Clock with Animated and Singing Birds
This intriguing French automaton clock depicts a streamside forest setting punctuated with wildflowers and birds. When animated, a rotating glass rod cleverly simulates falling water, while a hummingbird flits to and fro flashing its green throat, and a redheaded blackbird dips and sips from the stream. Animation is manually activated with a push/pull knob on the base.
Fitted into a ‘rock embankment’ is the gilt-bezeled clock displaying the time on a white porcelain dial with Roman numerals and Breguet-style hands. An 8-day mechanical movement keeps the time and strikes a bell at the hour and half-hour. The additional mechanical automation components are key-wind and housed within the base.
This animated timepiece is attributed to the Bontems family of Paris and bears a full restoration and a one-year warranty. Presented overall under a blown-glass dome on an oval ebonized base raised on bun feet. A captivating combination of timekeeping, decor, and entertainment.
23 1/2″H x 17″W x 9″D
Circa 1885