We've already reported on the stunning gold, enamel and split-seed pearl 'oiseau chantant' (singing bird) box which will be auctioned at Bonhams' in Knightsbridge on Wednesday 21 April.
The musical box will carry an estimate of £80,000-120,000.
Auctioning alongside it is the only surviving privately owned example of a Victorian 'Lion' treadle lock-stitch sewing machine.
Both items will auction at Bonhams' Fine Mechanical Music and Scientific Instruments auction.
The dramatic looking machine was made in 1868 for the American market by Kimball and Morton, a Glasgow based manufacturer.
 The Victorian 'Lion' treadle lock-stitch sewing machine |
In the shape of a noble but friendly looking lion, the machine has all its original parts and is so well preserved that it could easily be made to work again.
For the past 40 years the 'lion' has occupied pride of place in a private house.
Only three other machines of this type are known to have survived. They are housed in museums, and are either incomplete or restored.
It is estimated to sell for between £20,000-30,000.
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Image: Bonhams
