Bidding & Process
The House
Follow the House
300 20th Street · Sacramento
© 2026 Witherell’s
Live Auction
LUXURY ASSET AUCTION: Featuring Choice Property from the Collection of Al and Carol Cali
Thu, Jan 29, 2026 02:00PM EST
Lot 128
Franz Bergman (1861–1936) Naughty Mechanical Vienna Bronze, “Owl with a Surprise”
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,500
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
A rare metamorphic and mechanical Vienna bronze by Franz Bergman, featuring a standing owl that opens to reveal a hidden erotic figure—one of Bergman’s signature risqué automaton sculptures. Cast in bronze with polychrome highlights, the owl is perched atop a base modeled as stacked books, with the spine inscribed “Nam Grab,” a playful reversal of the artist’s name. The spine also bears Bergman’s distinctive “B” within urn mark.
Dimensions: 4 ¬Ω x 4 x 8 in.
Provenance: Al and Carol Cali Collection.
Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx for $45 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing).
Excellent; no conservation or restoration visible under UV. Vibrant original paint with minor age-appropriate wear.
Condition
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