For two centuries, the Chinese and their Emperors have had a passion for ornate, enamel backed, Swiss pocket watches of the kind to be offered at a Christie’s May 30th auction in Hong Kong. But the show stopping stars of the sale will be a matching pair of “singing bird pistols” with the timepieces nestled in the bejewelled handles.
The two “pistols” are believed to be the only matching pair known to exist. A few single models remain in museums and closely held private collections. Designed by Rochat and made by Piguet &Meylan in the early 1800’s, the pair is valued in the $5 million range, although some exerts feel that may be a low estimate.
Read more at The New York Times
