French Automaton Clock with Animated Birds
A delightful French singing bird automaton timepiece. Adorned with realistic flora, specifically morning glories and nasturtium, intertwined about a tree trunk. The bird atop the tree chirps, while a humming bird zips from branch to branch in the middle, and a bird dips to drink from a waterfall below. A rotating glass rod cleverly simulates falling water. Two bright monarch butterflies are also part of the fauna. Fitted into an ’embankment’ is the gilt 8-day time only clock with a porcelain dial and Roman numerals. Additionally, the musical components reside in the base.
These animated timepieces are typically attributed to the Bontems family of Paris. Overall a wonderful combination of time keeping, decor, and entertainment.
23″H x 18″W x 10″D
Circa 1880