1820s Desk Accessories

Freres Rochat Gold Bird Box This stunning gold box was created by Frères Rochat circa 1820. At first glance, it may seem like a well-crafted, beautifully designed snuff box with a pearl floral motif on top. However, it holds a hidden surprise - a technical marvel of a singing, rotating bird! The button on the rim opens up the lid to reveal the intricately crafted bird that sings and rotates. It's a wonder how the complex mechanical mechanisms fit into such a small space. This antique box is truly extraordinary and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Rochat brothers. About Freres Rochat: Frères Rochat is a Swiss company that was founded in the early 19th century by Antoine and Samuel Rochat, two brothers who came from a long line of skilled watchmakers. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest mechanical timepieces and automata of the time, including singing bird boxes, which they became particularly renowned for. The Rochat brothers' innovative designs and engineering prowess made them highly sought after by wealthy collectors and royalty alike. They were commissioned to create bespoke pieces for many high-profile clients, including Napoleon Bonaparte and the Russian Tsar, Alexander I. In the mid-19th century, Frères Rochat was taken over by another watchmaking family, the Favres, who continued to produce exquisite automata and timepieces in the same tradition. The company continued to flourish, with many of their creations being displayed in museums around the world. Today, Frères Rochat is still regarded as one of the foremost names in luxury watchmaking and mechanical automata. Their antique singing bird boxes are highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs, and the company continues to produce exceptional timepieces and other mechanical creations to this day. About Bird Boxes: Gold musical bird boxes...

A small Charles X ball notebook in mother-of-pearl and ormolu chiselled with flowers and flowery interlacings. Engraved in French "Souvenir", decorated with branches and Palais-Royal typical enamel flower on one face, and with simple branches on the other face. Il has its original paper pencil. French Palais...

Rectangular dance case in gilded bronze and red colored metal with moire reflections. The gilded bronze mount is finely chiseled with floral friezes, doves ...