The Reading Lesson

• rectangular case, the panels with translucent blue enamel over engine-turning, with borders of champlevé formal foliage in black and blue with white line, the cover edged in split pearls, the brightly feathered bird rising from an oval shaped medallion, the lid finely painted with a colorful enamel scene, the enamel scene is possibly by Jean-Abraham Lissignol (1749-1819), depicting a mother reading to her two children, the book opened to the page of the Aesop's fable of the Fox and Hare, the bird mechanism with fusee and chain, rectangular bellows, the song produced by a piston whistle, two stacked groups of four cams, when the bird is activated his body swivels, he flaps his wings, turns his head and moves his beak • barillet music with teeth in three stacks of four housed in the side compartment • matched by a key compartment at the opposite end, and the music operated by a small button at the side • the box stamped with case maker's mark IGRC in a horizontal lozenge, for Rémond, Lamy, Mercier & Co and PC in script, a 3 between.

American Collection until present

The Reading Lesson Singing bird lid - in good condition with minimal surface wear, however with some chipping to edge near the lid's lifting hinge, the lid at the moment does not open and close, the reverse shows signs of old repair, a service is required to put the lid back into working order. Enamel panels - the panels are restored in soft enamel, additionally the front panel has chipped through to gold. The singing bird flaps its wings and moves its head and beak, the song is tired, indicating the bird mechanism requires restoration, the bird pops up and down once the lid is manually opened. The music in good working order, only slight drag from the governor/ . Please note the present lot contains an unidentified bird species and therefore subject to restrictions upon international export. Due to the unidentifiable nature of the bird feathers on the present lot, it is not possible to legally export this piece from the United States.
"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 Jaquet, Eugène and Chapuis, Alfred, The Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, pp. 154-156. The firm was listed as 'Geneva makers 1810-1835'.

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 a biography on Frères Rochat and illustrations of their work, see Bailly, Sharon & Christian, Flights of Fancy, Geneva, 2001, pp. 211-260.

The finely painted enamel medallion is possibly by the hand of Jean-Abraham Lissignol (1749-1819).

Due to the unidentifiable nature of the bird feathers on the present lot, it is not possible to legally export this piece from the United States.