RARE Original 1850s Patek Philippe 7-Automaton Singing Bird Box Measurements: 1 1/4 h. Complicated watchmaking is the supreme test of the designer’s expertise and watchmakers’ skill. During these early stages of watchmaking, Patek Philippe sought to master all horological complications and achieve new technical innovations in sound and movement which would later set the technical foundation for complicated pocket watches and from there into complicated wristwatches. Patek Philippe has been know for having twice this century built the world’s most complicated portable timepieces and In each example many lifetimes of artistry and skill are captured to produce an object of timeless worth such as the present example being offered today. Less a watch than an example of exquisite craftsmanship, this singing bird box is one of just 12 made by Patek Philippe in the late 19th century. To many collectors, it will come as a surprise that the firm manufactured such an object. Patek Philippe made twelve of these boxes with watch between 1860 and 1870, four of which are illustrated in the Patek Philippe Museum Volume I. Singing bird boxes were known as early as 1750. The principle behind the singing bird is always the same, whether the mechanism is fitted into the bird cage or a tiny scent bottle. There is a source of compressed air that is formed via the bellows. The bellows are essentially handles, cranks and levers, which are activated by a lever to the side of the box that bring the singing bird to life. Bruguier specialised in the manufacture of singing bird boxes as early as 1825. Originally invented by Pierre Jaquet-Droz in the 18the century, the singing bird box is a decorated precious metal case containing an automaton that takes the form of a chirping bird. A pair of bellows inside the mechanism push air throw a whistle that cause the bird to sing. Almost identical to an example in the Patek Philippe Museum, this particular box was produced in 1850s just a few years after opening up the famous firm Patek Philippe was established with the bird automaton made by Charles Bruguier, one of the leading makers of automatons in Geneva. Though compact, the singing bird box is surprisingly massive due to the materials used in its construction. The present Birdbox is a very rare and important Swiss fusee 18 Kt Yellow Gold Tortoise Shell & Enamel Hand Painted 7 automaton movement singing bird box by Patek Philippe, Geneva, circa 1850 which comes in perfect working condition, with the original outer leather bound presentation Patek Philippe box and even has the original reference Patek Philippe located sticker on the underside. Further adding to this collectors trophy piece, the box is near mint original condition with a hinged lid compartment in the back, a common attribute with only the earliest examples and features a hand painted enamel lid which conceals to hide the bird made out of gold. The functions work as such: The mechanism works with using fusee mechanisms with cans to regulate the bird and music. When the slide is activated the lid opens, the colorful feathered bird pops up and moves from side to side moving its head, beak, neck, wings and tail in time with the chirps produced by the internal bellows and tuned pipes. As demonstrated by the photos, the condition of the colorful baby bird is also in near perfect condition with no damage to the automaton functions, corrosion or feathers missing. It is also important to note that the movements are extremely smooth during opening and closing as the bird drops back into the box and the lid closes automatically. Accessories: accompanied by an original Patek Philippe leather bound display presentation box & Patek Philippe sticker reference number to underside Literature: For a similar singing bird box with box, please see Patek Philippe Museum Patek Philippe Watches, Volume I, pages 434 and 465. For a video please feel free to request. The item “RARE Original 1850s Patek Philippe 7-Automaton Singing Bird Box” is in sale since Tuesday, October 2, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Music Boxes\Pre-1900″. The seller is “exoticwatchcollectors2″ and is located in Pacific Palisades, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Brand: Patek Philippe
• Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
• Modified Item: No
• Material: 18 Kt Yellow Gold
• Year: 1850s
• Complications: Automaton Bird Box