LA BELLE RIVE DE GENEVE

• rectangular case with bombé sides, chased overall with vari-color gold interlaced foliage, the top centered by an oval lid decorated with partly translucent polychrome enamel lake scene at sunset showing Geneva in the distance, the reverse polychrome enameled with a bouquet of flowers, a peach and cherries • the large and brightly feathered bird rising from a bird-shaped reserve; the bird realistically swivels its body, flaps its wings, opens and closes its beak, moves his head and shakes his tail, the vari-color surround chased with branches set with turquoise and ruby flowers, the back with a hinged compartment • with a similar vari-color gold male key • the top plate stamped FR for Frères Rochat

Berry Hill, New York
Prominent American Family until present

Alfred Chapuis & Edouard Droz, Automata, p. 198, fig. 240

Enamel scene cover with chip at 12 o'clock Geneva lake scene, otherwise crisp and good order, Bird functioning well, Its wing colors match the turquoise and ruby flowers. The very heavy and high quality case in excellent condition. The chasing is well-defined with minor patina, and one screw missing from left back corner. Please note the present lot contains ivory and hummingbird feathers, which are CITES listed endangered species and therefore subject to strict restrictions on international export. A CITES license must be obtained for shipment outside of the US and can take up to one year to receive.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The firm of Frères Rochat began as David Rochat & Son in Le Brassus (1718-1806) and became famous for its complicated movements and a variety of complex novelties that included singing birds in mirrors, snuff boxes, needle cases and pistols. For a discussion of their work, see Eugene Jaquet & Alfred Chapuis, The Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, pp. 154-156. The firm was listed as 'Geneva makers 1810-1835' and for 'singing birds 1830-1835.' Chapuis notes that Rochat and his son worked for the firm of Jaquet Droz and Leschot and reprints a letter from Droz and Leschot which reads,

'6th December, 1804, to Messrs. Rochat et Fils, Le Brassus. In reply to your esteemed letter of 22nd November, there is no need for you to come here specially but only when you happen to be coming to Geneva. We want you to make a bird which will serve as a model for the cartels you manufacture, so that you can tell how long this will take you.' 

For more information on Rochat, including Frédéric Rochat, see Bailly, pp. 211-251.

Henry and Sidney Hill were two brothers in London, who eventually ran the family business, Hill & Sons.  In the 1920s, they purchased the antiquities dealership, Berry of London, which had been founded in the 17^th century.  They renamed the business Berry-Hill, and moved to the United States, where they settled in New York City.  Berry-Hill dealt in antiques and collectors’ items, such as the present lot. The two brothers specialized in these pieces, and wrote articles and a book entitled, Antique Gold Boxes.  Throughout their career, they helped to curate a number of important collections.