JAQUET-DROZ & LESCHOT

The cage mounted on a later ebonised musical plinth inset with a timepiece.

Cage
Of octagonal form, the beaded dome supports surmounted by a finely chased cone finial and leaf mount above engraved scroll fret panels, mounted on eight tapered pillars with urn finials, the base with engine-turned panels concealing the automaton movement, on knurled feet.



Automaton
Comprising two brightly painted birds which swivel, flap their wings and open their bone beaks as they seemingly jump between perches, to the centre a gilt double dolphin mask with three spinning glass rods to simulate running water.



The fusee and chain movement contained within the cage base and powering the bellows and water features, a complex dual-plane cam wheel controlling the singing via piston whistles and movement of the birds via fine chains within two tubes incorporated into the cage frame, the lower plate skeletonised and with a large external fly within a circular shroud.

Plinth
The later oval plinth base incorporating a timepiece with 2-inch engraved gilt dial with enamel minutes track, Breguet hands, fusee movement with verge escapement and plain balance; housing a small cylinder musical movement with one-piece comb, the rear with control levers for the musical box and birdcage. Formerly with a glass dome.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD INSPECT IN PERSON. IN NEED OF COMPLETE RESTORATION. The whole piece is very dirty and with losses and faults throughout. Painted birds are very dirty and lacking some paint, some damage to tops of glass rods and signs of rusting to steel arbors within. The movement appears to be generally complete but the fuse chain in detached and the mainspring is probably broken, many of the links to the automaton features are either damaged or missing, the bellows will require replacement, this movement has clearly not been run for many decades and will require complete restoration. The cage appears to retain much of the original gilding although it is very dirty, two finials and two pillar rings missing, the front and one side panel missing from the base, some minor distortion to frets, some old repairs and old solder to feet. The later ebonised plinth shows signs of old repairs and alteration. Timepiece movement not fully inspected but very dirty and not running. Musical movement very dirty and rusty and not running. old holes, repairs and section cut out from underside. No dome. No winders.
"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."

This very rare and early bird cage is one of very few known with painted rather than feathered birds. Even fewer are known with jumping birds and this one is exceptional in having two. A charming feature, it enables the birds to seemingly jump from branch to branch whilst singing. There are records of the Jaquet-Droz together with Leschot making automaton bird cages with jumping birds at the end of the 18th century and this, together with the quality of the work and the inclusion of a simulated waterfall enables a confident attribution to them.  The ebonised musical base with timepiece appears to have been especially made for this cage during the first quarter of the 19th century. Whilst it is unfortunate that this particular cage has been neglected for so long, it is a most worthy subject for careful and sympathetic restoration which will once again bring this automaton to life for its new owner.

Another small cage with painted single jumping bird and with very similar cage work was sold at Antiquorum, Geneva, 8th & 9th November 2014, Lot 578.