Singing birds have captured the imagination of generations of children and adults alike. They are also a testimony of the Swiss mechanical genius for creating entertaining automata since the 18th century. Singing birds were a popular subject as miniaturised clockwork organs could be made to imitate birdsong whilst simutaneously providing lifelike movement through the addition of ever more complex cam mechanisms. The earliest examples incorporated painted singing birds and often brightly feathered birds gradually became the norm. During the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, these automata saw a larger production to meet the ever-growing demand. It was at that time that Charles-Armand Marguerat was active and created attractive pieces such as this one. A highlight of the ‘Fine Watches’ sale at Sotheby’s Paris, view the full catalogue and bid online at the link in bio. #SothebysWatches #SingingBirds #Automata