Switzerland, Geneve

1809-1814

Rochat

Gold, brass, steel, painted feathers; guilloche, chiselling, painted enamel

3 х 7.75 х 5.2 cm, 266 g

On oval: "C-1"; "18 K"

Snuffbox with a singing bird in golden case with rounded vertical ribs, decorated with chiselling and enamel ornament.  Volumetric floral ornament with white and pink gold flowers is on the top panel. An oval hinged lid with enamel image of flower bouquet on blue background in a frame of pearls is in the top panel center. Double framed guilloche surface is on the lateral sides of the case. Rounded corners are decorated by vases with flowers. A sliding lever for switching on the movement is on the front side. A mirror-polished compartment for snuff tobacco with a hinged lid is on the rear side. The bottom surface of the case is guilloched, with chiselled white gold flower ornament and a keyhole for winding the movement. The oval lid opens automatically after switching on the movement, a tiny bird in painted feathers appears. It spins, flaps its wings and tail, turns the head, opens and closes the beak; the sound movement imitates bird's chirping. On completion of the movement's work the bird hides under the gilded engraved openwork lattice and the lid closes. The movement is equipped with a fusee - stabilization system for spring force. The winding key has a grip with two rings and the key rod with a square cross section.