An exquisite 18k gold, enamel and diamond fusee singing bird box by Jacques Bruguier. Unusually this box actually retains its original gold and enamel key, which are usually lost. Key wound chain driven fusee movement working the bellows & driving cams that on sliding the operating button to the right, the lid opens and the bird pops up and 1/ opens & shuts the beak. 2/ turns its head from left to right, 3/ flaps the wings, 4/ pirouettes left and right. On completion of his 25 second performance he drops through the pierced gold grille and the lid closes after him. Magnificent case, a tour de force of the goldsmiths art. Signed on the movement Jacques Bruguier, Geneva. Charles Bruguier's son who took over his father's business. Swiss Circa 1860