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French Bontems gilt bronze “Singing Bird” automaton mantle clock, the works signed H & F Paris. Rectangular glazed case containing an automata bird in a naturalistic setting of rocks and foliage against a painted oil landscape backdrop, raised on a deep plinth base engraved with a flower basket, surmounted by a drum case and beaded bezel containing a blue and white enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals, bronze center, and Gothic style hands and resting on toupee feet. The bell striking movement signed H & F PARIS / 3773 / 72 / 79. The mechanical movement marked BONTEMS / PARIS / Bte. / SGDG and numbered 1163. When operational, the movement strikes and activates the automata on the hour and strikes the half hour on a bell, and can also be activated by a switch on the base. 19 1/4″ H x 8 1/2″ W x 6 1/4″ D.
CONDITION: Overall good condition. Some scattered very slight oxidation to the bronze case. Clock winds but does not operate, servicing is recommended.