34,500 CHF
A Monsieur Maleszewski "Souscription" watch No. 258, delivered on 24 Thermidor an 7 (11 August 1799). Gold and silver "souscription" watch with single hand. Notes Note: In approximately 1794, whilst exiled in Switzerland, Breguet conceived the idea for his souscription watches, but it was after his return to Paris that he began their construction. The caliber for the movement was developed in stages, the first being a single handed watch with the barrel in the centre (see G. Daniels, The Art of Breguet, p. 170, figs. 127 a-c, and 128 a-b) and the balance mounted beneath the dial, both examples known being fitted with a lever escapement. This watch, no. 258, also very rare, is an example of the intermediate stage, incorporating an over-hanging cylinder escapement, parachute shock protection, a bimetallic compensation curb, and the wheeltrain layed out in exactly the same way as the final version; the only difference being the use of a single small "back plate" instead of bridges. PIERRE MALESZEWSKI (PAUL-JEAN) (1767 - 1828) Pierre Maleszewski, politician, economist, publisher and historian, was the natural son of Michel Poniatowski and Marie Maleszewski. In 1786, he was sent to Paris by his father, who was in fact the brother of Stanislas August Poniatowski, King of Poland. He became a member of the french masonic lodge dedicated to la Réunion des étrangers de l'Est de la France, which, alongside his connections with the press enabled him to further certain polis
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1991-04-14
