Swiss

• the barrel signed Bruguier--London, playing two tunes • tortoiseshell rectangular box with lid inset with a gold repoussé scene depicting a music party in rococo surround executed in mid-18th century manner, glazed cover bordered by scrolling gold foliate design • the box fitted with start/stop button and a tune change button • accompanied by Desoutter presentation box

Interior of case with a hairline from the upper left corner with a dent on the exterior left panel. The panel appears to have been restored and now shows marginal uneveness, the tortoiseshell with some scratches to surface, music with two tunes, both playing well. The repousse scene in excellent condition especially given the fact that it has been protected beneath a glazed rectangular opening.
"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."

Charles-Abraham, son of établisseur Jacques-François Bruguier, was born in Geneva in 1788 and trained as a clockmaker, moving to London  in 1815. He returned to Geneva in 1823, when he began to make singing bird boxes. Although famed for his singing birds, he is virtually unknown as the maker of music boxes. What is known is that he took time between 1833 and 1837 to work at a musical box factory near Montbéliard. See Sharon & Christian Bailly, Oiseaux de Bonheur, Geneva, 2001, pp. 262-294, for a biography of the Bruguier family and illustrations of their works.

The present box was possibly made as a commission to celebrate the coronation of King George IV, who was crowned in 1821. The coronation was the first in England since George III's crowning in 1760.The coronation of George IV was an extravagant affair, costing £243,000, equivalent to approximately £19,000,000 in 2012. Given the magnitude of the event, it was said to have been a boon for the luxury trade in England.