24,150 CHF
The Measure of a ManWilliam Staples, London, circa 1785. Very fine and rare gilt metal pair-cased animated erotic, astronomical, three-train, quarter-striking double-face musical coach watch, playing two tunes, age of the moon, date, and centre-seconds, made for the Oriental market. Outer: two-body, the bezels pierced and engraved with foliage. On the back, an enamel painting of two women on either side of the statue of an author and playwright, one apparently taking the measure of the figure. Below, an aperture reveals either an innocuous scene of people walking, or an erotic scene. Inner: two-body, glazed on both sides, band pierced and engraved in the same manner as the outer case. Notes Staples Williamis recorded as having worked in London in the end of the 18th century.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-03-31
