Switzerland, Geneve

circa 1820

Freres Rochat

Gold, brass, steel, feathers; engraving, chiselling, casting, pained enamel

2.6 x 7.5 x 5 cm, 246 g

Miniature snuffbox with singing bird in golden case, decorated with chiselled ornaments and enamel images. Volumetric foliate ornament is on the upper side it . An oval hinged lid with enamel alpine landscape depicting a lake, trees and hills in the foreground is in the center. On the lid  inner side -  the image of a bouquet of flowers on blue background. Guilloche field in double frame id on the lateral sides of the case. Volumetric ornament is on the ribs. A sliding lever for switching on the movement is on the front side. Mirror polished compatment for snuff tobacco with a hinged lid is on the rear side. The lower surface is guilloched, with chiselled ornamented frame and a keyhole for winding the movement. The oval lid opens automatically after switching on the movement, a tiny bird in coloured feathers appears. It spins, flaps its wings and tail, turns the head, opens and closes the beak; 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 with a grip with two rings; the key rod with square cross-section.The oval lid opens automatically after switching on the movement, a tiny bird in coloured feathers appears. It spins, flaps its wings and tail, turns the head, opens and closes the beak; 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. Winding key with an oval grip and a square cross-section rod.