A rare French 'singing bird' automata carriage clock, striking, circa 1850.

A rare French 'singing bird' automata carriage clock, striking, circa 1850.

No. 182. A rare French 'singing bird' automata carriage clock, striking, circa 1850. Examining the design of the case, movement and automata, most probably made by Japy Frères. Signed on the backplate and dial A. Paul Brotly Devin & Co, Paris, numbered 4166 (retailer). The upper section containing the automata bird with iridescent plumage amongst bocage arranged around a low naturalistic hill. On request the bird sings and moves. The bird is rotating and with articulated beak and wings. The lower section contains the clock and automata mechanism. Gilt case with corner pillars. White enamel dial with Roman numerals and signature, a the two train spring barrel movement with lever platform escapement striking the hour an half hour on a bell. HxWxD 28 (handle down), 12x10 cm. Price on request. A similar clock is sold Bondhams, lot 29, 9 July 2014, £ 27.300,-- plus import duty, including premium. Illustrations of this type of clocks can be found in Charles Terwilliger's 'A Century of Fine Carriage Clocks', Clock Trade Enterprises 1987, pages 74-75.