• gilt cylinder movement with two train standing barrels for going and automaton work, gilt-metal cuvette • small white enamel dial at 12 o’clock • the automaton scene consisting of two vari-color gold figures of a lady seated on a swing being pushed by a youth at her right, flanked by vari-color gold fountains composed of stylized urns surmounted by dolphins issuing water, the water is simulated by double twisted glass rods, against a vari-color gold and enamel architectural garden scene, lever in the band activating the automaton • the bezels engraved with gold leafage alternating with opaque black enamel, the back with blue enamel

Prominent American Family until present

The water is functioning however, lady swings only sporadically, and man is not pushing the swing, indicating that the automaton is dry, and will require a cleaning, The enamel to the dial with one area of loss at the middle of the left-side fountain. Back panel with enamel restored including a subsequent restoration to the lower right between 4 and 5 o'clock, the vari-color gold with patina.
"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."

A similar automaton is illustrated in Peter Friess, Patek Philippe Museum The Emergence of the Portable Watch, 2015 vol. IV, p. 27.