• movement is constructed of brass and steel, fusee and chain with a bellow in animal skin working with a sliding piston, the hinged lid enamelled en plein opening to reveal the singing bird automaton • four movements singing bird entirely mechanically built in brass and steel, the bird is covered with feathers; the eyes are made of paste cabochons and the beak of bones, it is moving is beck, wings, tail, head and turning about itself • silver gilt engraved and engine-turned case, enamel miniature medallion on the top figuring a cabin and characters in a typical Swiss mountain environment, sliding button to activate the bird on the right corner of the front, compartment in the back adapted to contain the winding key, the top covered with dark and light blue champlevé enamel and enamel painting figuring flowers as the engravings • movement signed Jacques Bruguier, rue Bonivard 6 Genève, case numbered 76

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement is in working order while cataloguing. Box in good condition with scuffs due to use and age, some damages on the enamel on the top, the lid with small scuffs on the enamel and a small chip near the hinge. Movement in working condition. Bird chirps and moves very nicely exceptional singing. ***Please note that the feathers have not been identified, and may require a CITES licence should you wish to export this item from Switzerland. ***
"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."

Jacques Bruguier (1801-1873) was not the son but the son-in-law of the celebrated Charles Abraham Bruguier Senior, maker of the highest quality singing bird boxes, according to Sharon Bailly, Oiseaux de bonheur, Geneva, 2001. He had married the latter's daughter Jacqueline in 1853. Given that they have the same surname, Mrs Bailly believes that it is probable that they were related but exactly how has not yet been established. Certainly Jacques was born in Geneva in June 1801, son of Jean-Abraham Bruguier and his wife Rose Lamon. Shortly afterwards the clockmaker Jean-Abraham moved with his family to the Ardèche region of France but the young Jacques later returned to Geneva, presumably to be trained. By 1852, he is known to have been working with Charles-Abraham Bruguier as a maker of singing bird movements; Jacqueline was a pinner of music box cylinders. It is probable that this box was made under the aegis of Charles-Abraham Junior, since the address is given as "Paquis", where Charles-Abraham's workshop was situated from 1866.