Attributed to Blaise Bontems, Paris

• bird movement with contoured brass, going barrel and nine cams controlling the song and movements of the figure, tapered triangular bellows framed in tail with slide whistle below • figure brilliantly covered with iridescent blue and green feathers on life-sized copper shell, supported by blackened brass legs with real beak, rotating its head, flapping its wings, and opening its beak when activated

The movement is running. However, full restoration to the bellows would increase clarity and strength of song. Additionally, further restoration to the outer skin would increase greater range in the motion of the wings and head. The beak is extremely fragile. To engage the movement, always hold bird by feet on flat surface, winding counterclockwise. Bird should not be left to run for a time period longer than fifteen seconds. Bird should always be stored with head facing to the side to avoid further damage to beak. Although a CITIES permit is not required for this piece, additional documentation will be needed for export purposes. Please refer to the department. Accompanied by an associated winding key.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The present lot is one of three known to have been produced by the world renowned firm, Blaise Bontems. One was formerly in the Sandoz collection and is currently exhibited in Le Locle's Musée des Monts. The other automaton is held by a private collector. 

Blaise Bontems (1814-1893) began his career while apprenticing for a clockmaker. According to his biographies, a customer once brought in a singing bird snuff-box for restoration. Disappointed in the 'unnatural' quality of the whistle, he spent time in a forest to study the nightingale's song. As a result, he modified the music box mechanism to closely mimic the bird's song.

One observer at the 1878 Parisian exhibition recollected, 'There is not one visitor who doesn't stop to listen to the chirping of Monsieur Bontem's birds. These feathered musicians appear to be alive... I do not believe anyone has ever imitated nature quite as successfully.' Years later, the artisan's work was greatly admired throughout Europe and America. Although he was most famous for the ability to produce realistic songs of canaries, finches, nightingales and blackbirds, the firm also received praise for unique automatons ranging from monkeys to organ players. 

For further reading on Blaise Bontems and mechanical singing birds, see Baily, C. & Baily, S., Flights of Fancy: Mechanical Singing Birds, pp. 309-18 and Nocks, L., The Robot: The Story of Technology, pp. 42-3.