A Swiss gold, enamel, and turquoise-set automaton "oracle" vinaigrette, probably Geneva, circa 1820

the bottom opening to reveal a mechanical gilt Cupid in a painted landscape with flap lifting to show "un vrai ami" and other phrases when a question is inserted in the drawer.

Berry Ltd. London
Maurice Sandoz Collection

New York, A la Vieille Russie, Antique Automatons, 1950, no. 150, fig 38, lent by Dr. Maurice Y. Sandoz

Alfred Chapuis and Edmond Droz, Automata, 1958, pp. 252-3, figs. 305-306
Bernard Pin, Maurice Sandoz Collection, 2012, vol. III, p. 200, illus.

Enamel panel on left side of the box damaged and will need restoration, otherwise good and mechanism working
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

There are five questions inscribed on tablets which can be slid into a tiny drawer at the side of the box.  When the lid is opened, a cupid appears from behind a panel and points to an enameled flap which rises to reveal the answers - such as  “ What is happiness?” – “A beautiful dream.”

The present lot is a marvel of engineering. When one chooses to present the box with a question, a small slide is fit into the drawer and, based on the slide, produces a different answer. Each of the small brass slides has an aperture to the side, and that cylindrical hole is of a different length on each slide. When entered into the box, the slide pushes a steel plunger a different length, thus turning the gear upon which the answers are written a different distance and producing the correct response. Upon removing the slide by depressing a button to the slide, the rotating disk with the answers returns to its original sitting position. 

Only one other Oracle box of this small size is known, decorated with a jeweled tulip, and in the McCullough collection in 1958 (see Chapuis and Droz).

Maurice-Yves Sandoz (1892-1950) was a writer, composer and collector, with a particular interest in watches, automata, and Fabergé.