An exceptional singing birdcage clock is the star lot in Antiquorum's November 8-9 auction of Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces in Geneva.

Jaquet-Droz was renowned for its astonishing automata, with one of a dog said to be so realistic that the King of Spain's courtiers were convinced it was powered by witchcraft

The diminutive clock is superbly crafted with the bird's beak, wings and tail activated at will, and by the clock every three hours. It is expected to sell for between $207,198 and $414,396.

Attributed to Jaquet-Droz et Leschot, the work displays the distinctive ball and claw feet employed by the workshop, which was renowned for its highly technical automata. The clock is thought to have been created circa 1785.

In 2007, Skinner sold another automated bird clock from Jacquet-Droz for $182,000, though this is a far more impressive example.

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