This exquisite pair of "singing bird pistols", c. 1820, sold for $5.8 million at a Christie's International auction several months ago. Their beauty is matched only by the hyperbole of the video narration and description on the Christie's site:
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.
The Only Pair of Matching Singing Bird Pistols, Attributed to Frères Rochat (Thanks, Jennifer Lum!)
