A RARE DIMINUTIVE GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL SINGING BIRD BOX, THE MOVEMENT ROCHAT FRÈRES, GENEVA, CIRCA 1815

A RARE DIMINUTIVE GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL SINGING BIRD BOX, THE MOVEMENT ROCHAT FRÈRES, GENEVA, CIRCA 1815

rectangular, the body enamelled in translucent scarlet within borders decorated in gold and turquoise taille d’épargne enamelling with delicate foliate scrollwork, the corners with ribbon-tied wreaths, the oval lid painted with a young girl playing with a pet squirrel and opening to reveal the bright-eyed bird with ivory beak and multi-coloured feathers which pick up the colours of the exterior enamelling, the movement with key-wound spring barrel, the bellows and singing controlled by a sliding stack of eight cams with further fixed cams to control the movement of the bird, the case apparently unmarked, the movement with Frères Rochat maker's mark and numbered: 292
7.2cm., 3in. wide

Condition Report:
Movement: complete and in good condition, running at time of cataloguing but may benefit from a clean and fresh oil. With male winder.

Very minor and small hair crack to enamel panel.

For an updated condition report, please contact oana.barbu@sothebys.com

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Provenance:
King Farouk of Egypt (1936-1965) until 1952;

sale, Sotheby & Co., The Palace Collections of Egypt, Cairo, 10-17 March 1954, lot 552; John Asprey Collection;

Mark Yaffe Collection, sale, The Art of Horology in Geneva, Antiquorum, Geneva, 13-14 November 1999, lot 81