A rare diamond-set engraved and enamelled gold singing-bird snuffbox is valued at $120,000-180,000 ahead of a sale at Bonhams.
The Fine Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks auction will take place on December 4 in New York.
 The snuffbox was produced in around 1804 |
Featuring the marks of Jean Georges Reymond, Isaac-Daniel Piguet and Henri Capt, all well known 19th century builders of automata, the snuffbox was made in Geneva circa 1804.
The mechanism features the number seven, indicating that the box is among their earliest creations.
It was modified in the mid 19th century with the monogram of the Ottoman prince Shehzade Mahmud Celaleddin Efendi (1862-1888), along with the addition of diamonds.
Dr Jonathan Snellenburg, director of clocks & watches at Bonhams New York, explained: "This splendid box was likely a gift from the Sultan on the occasion of the birth of his son, Prince Shehzade Mahmud Celaddin Efendi.
"It's a sumptuous masterwork of early 19th century Swiss clock making."
A William and Mary ebony striking bracket clock with pull quarter repeat by Joseph Knibb, circa 1685, carries an estimate of $80,000-100,000.
Knibb (1640-1711) is considered one of the most significant English clocksmiths of the restoration, and was appointed maker to both Charles II and James II.
In 2012, a Knibb Roman Striking clock made £1.2m ($2m) at Sotheby's London.
We have this Longines Men's Olympic series watch for sale.
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