Mar 9, 2020
SCENT FLASK WITH WATCH AND SINGING BIRD AUTOMATON
GOLD, ENAMEL, PEARL AND GEM-SET
JAQUET-DROZ, LESCHOT AND FRISARD
GENEVA
1786-1787
MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET. THE BIRD SONG PLAYING VIA A SERINETTE.
The bird [12 mm high] produces its song via a six pipe organ composed of two groups of three pipes following the curves of the case, the song is conveyed via metal tubes with compressed air from the bellows to the pipes and distributed by a pinned cylinder operating six valves; when activated, by a small gold button, the bird realistically sings, opens and closes his beak, swivels his body whilst his tail moves up and down.