A rare silver, gold and enamel musical necessaire formed as an upright piano, the movement Vacheron Constantin, Geneva, second quarter 19th century

the case formed as an upright piano or orgue expressif on four legs with ball supports, a hinged lid applied with stylised gold scrolling foliage and lifting to reveal the enamelled keys below a neo-gothic panel ornamented in gold and enamel to simulate a stained glass church window, this in turn opening to show a plush and silk-lined compartment complete with gold and steel scissors, gold and hardstone thimble, gold needlecase, and mother of pearl spool, the interior containing a musical movement with a 6.5cm cylinder playing 2 airs on a sectional comb, struck with maker's mark VC for Vacheron Constantin and numbered: 5989, the case apparently unmarked, with later key

CR movement: complete but just running at the time of cataloguing, very much in need of professional cleaning and overhaul. Exterior in excellent condition. some staining to silk cushion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
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."

It is not widely known that at one time, the celebrated watchmaking firm of Vacheron Constantin of Geneva, also produced automaton and musical movements. Jacques Bathelemi Vacheron and François Constantin first became formally associated in 1819 but it is said that in 1817 they had supplied the Duchess of Parma (formerly Empress Marie-Louise, the consort of Napoleon I) with several musical boxes which she was said to have found admirable. In 1824 they created a richly enamelled musical box, decorated with his arms and orders, for Prince Camillo Borghese, husband of Napoleon’s sister Pauline. For further information, see Arthur W.J.G. Ord-Hume, The Musical Box, Schiffer Publishing, 1995, p. 304.