292,250 CHF
Czapek & Cie. a Geneve, N.3221, Exposition de Londre, 1851, enamel attributed to Auguste Dutertre, Swiss, circa 1850. Exceptionally rare and fine gold and enamel cigar case combined with a watch, made for the Great Exhibition of 1851 and formerly in the Palace collections of King Farouk of Egypt. Three part, entirely engraved shallow chasing and taille douce techniques with fern foliage, caryatid figures and masks and enamelled with floral and scroll motifs in white, pale blue, pale green and translucent enamels with three panels on each of the sides depicting views of Granada, Geneve, Constantinople and Naples, two finely executed battle scenes in mediaeval style. Hinged top over the cigar compartment with the upper most part of the lid also decorated with a panel of flowers and opening to reveal the watch. Small white enamel, Roman hour numerals, outer minute ring. Blued-steel spade hands. Extra flat frosted and gilt bar caliber, 8 jewels, cylinder escapement with plain 3-arm brass balance, flat spring and regulator. Signed on the gold movement cover plate. In good condition. Dims. 140 x 73 x 24mm. Notes Provenance: Formerly in the collection of King Farouk of Egypt and sold by Sotheby's, Cairo, 13th March, 1954, lot 688. Francois Czapek born 1811, a Pole of Czeck origin, moved to Geneva in 1831 following the Czeck uprising. He founded the business later to become Patek Phillipe in partnership with his colleague Anton Norbert de Patek. Subsequently Francois Czapek be Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1993-04-25
