An ormolu musical automaton singing bird clock, Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier, Geneva, circa 1820

In the form of a flower-filled ormolu urn, the brightly feathered bird opening its beak, flapping its wings and turning to left and right whilst singing, the conventional movement with bellows, cams with piston whistles; followed by one of two tunes played on a cylinder musical movement with multi-piece comb, the clock with enamel 3-inch dial signed Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier, A Geneve, the bell striking movement with silk suspension and outside count wheel, triggering the bird and musical movements at the hour; to the urn cast with leaves and stylised flowers, ring handles to the sides, the foliate cast foot on an oval base with anthemion mount, on bun feet

In fully restored condition. All movements running at time of cataloguing, enamel dial in good condition. Bird has been re-feathered. All movements cleaned and repaired with some replacement parts (old parts retained). Repair to the urn to the left of the dial, silk flowers rather faded but otherwise in good condition. With winder, regulation key, pendulum and associated glass dome.
"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 Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier was one of the most important watchmakers and jewellers in Geneva during the first quarter of the 19th century. The founding partner, Jean-Francois Bautte, was born in Geneva in 1772. He was apprenticed at the age of twelve and trained in the many skills of the watchmaker and jeweller. Highly talented, he was working alone by the age of twenty and established factory in Geneva with a reputation for producing exquisite novelty items such as musical boxes and singing birds incorporating watches and clocks with precious metals and enamels. In 1793 Bautte formed a partnership with Jacques-Dauphin Moulinié and the firm became Moulinié & Bautte. In 1804 they were further joined in partnership by Jean-Gabriel Moynier and became Moulinié, Bautte & Cie until 1808 when they became Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier through to 1826.

The complicated singing bird and musical mechanisms of this attractive clock were probably made in the area around La Chaux de Fonds where specialists such as the Jacquet Droz and Rochats were based. The final assembly of the various components would then be completed in Geneva ready for sale. Most usually found in smaller boxes or cages, it is particularly rare to find a singing bird combined with naturalistic flowers and foliage.