Switzerland, Geneve

circa 1820

Freres Rochat

Gold, multi coloured gold, diamonds, rubies, pearls, brass, steel, feathers; engraving, guilloche, chiselling

3 х 7.7 х 5.3 cm, 247 gr

On the snuff tobacco lid inner side: "CI" in the oval. "18K"on the label "52", "FR" on the movement

Snuffbox with a singing bird in gold case, decorated with chased ornament of multi-coloured gold, diamonds and rubies. The chased field of voluminous floral ornament of vases, branches, leaves and flowers of multi-coloured gold is on the top panel. An oval aperture bordered with a pearl frame is in the center. It is covered with a hinged lid with chased composition comprised of flowers’ bouquet with diamonds and rubies on the external side and mirror-polished surface with hallmarks and a sticker "52" on the inner side.

Two keyholes with arrows for winding a movement and a bird and a screw head are on the chiselled surface under the opening panel. The lateral sides of the case are guilloched. The frame with geometric ornament is on the bottom. The compartment for snuff tobacco with the lid opening up is on the rear panel. Stylized ornament is on the vertical ribs. A button for switching on the bird's movement is on the front side. 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 is hided under the gilded engraved openwork lattice and the lid comes down. The movement is equipped with a fusee - stabilization system for spring force.