Important Collector's Wristwatches an...

Hong Kong, Hotel Furama Kempinski, Jun 14, 1995

LOT 322

Not signed, attributed to Frères Rochat, made for the Chinese market, sold for 136 Guineas, circa 1815. Magnificent and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel, pearl set singing bird box with independent music, in original red Morocco fitted box, the invoice stuck inside.

HKD 600,000 - 750,000

USD 80,000 - 100,000

C. Four body rectangular, the bottom and sicle panels of translucent blue enamel over engineturning (slightly restored), borders with champlevé floral decoration on a blue ground. The musical box side cover opening on the location for the key, the lid of the patch box with split pearl set bezel, set with an enamel panel painted with a Cupid making a secret gesture. The symmetrical singing bird cover painted with a Cupid archer. M. Gilt brass musical movement with pin-barrel and twin groups of Pive stacked steel blades. Small square gilt brass full plate singing bird mechanism, fusee with chain, stacked cams, fly regulator and external rectangular Bellow. In good condition. Dim. 84 x 47 x 19 mm.


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Notes

Although it is not signed, this box can be attributed to Frères Rochat who were the best makers of the time for such singing birds, but not organised to tracte in China. Therefore they had to deal with agents who did not wish the pieces to be signed, with any other name than their own. Frère Rochat (Geneva) Amy Napoléon et Louis. Watchmakers and mecanicians, 140 rue de Coutance, between 1810 and 1835. Apprentice with their father Pierre Rochat by Meilland in Brassus, then watchmakers by Jaquet-Droz & Leschot. They set up on their own circa 1810. They produced most of the best complicated automata of the period.