Matching Singing Bird Pistols, Attributed to Frères Rochat



The Singing Bird Pistols

Christie's auctioned a matching pair of "mirror-image gold, enamel, agate, pearl and diamond-set singing bird pistols". Made by the Frères Rochat in the 1820s for the Chinese market and had an estimated auction price was $2.5 - $5 million. They sold for over $5,866,499!

See also the video on this link. The front sight bird actually sings. Amazing!

http://www.christies.com/singing-bird-pistols-en-1422-3.aspx

Quote:

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Aurel Bacs, International Head of the Watch Department, shares his passion and knowledge of the only known matching pair of gold and enamel singing bird pistols, to be offered at Christie’s Hong Kong Important Watches sale on 30 May 2011. Among the most valuable and important works of art remaining in private hands, the value and ingenuity of these pistols are beyond description and must be seen and heard to be truly appreciated.

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