• with barillet music work concealed within the knife handle, the music activated by a slide set on the side of the tapering gold handle elaborately chased with scrolls, a love trophy, flowers and a butterfly accented by rows of graduated split pearls surrounded by opaque powder blue, black and translucent red enamel over engine-turned ground, the reverse similarly decorated, the case fitted with a gold folding blade

Simon Moore, Pocket Fruit Knives, p. 111.

An amusing and rare object. the enamel on the handle in good order with minor surface wear overall, the music is playing and would benefit from service, the actual knife shaft with slight scoffing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. 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. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.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."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

A similar musical fruit knife is illustrated in Chapuis, La Montre Chinoise, p. 64, fig. 42. The knife illustrated was formerly in the collection of Gustave Loup, the noted Genevoise collector of Chinese market watches and clocks. Loup, a close friend of Alfred Chapuis, collaborated to write La Montre Chinoise, where many of Loup's pieces were illustrated.

The barillet movement was created by Antoine Favre in 1796, thereby making it possible to incorporate music work in smaller objects, such as the present lot.