201,500 CHF
Geneva, circa 1809. Fine and almost certainly unique 18K gold and enamel pearl-set telescope with built-in watch, music and vinaigrette, accompanied by original gold keys, in a later fitted box. Designed as a powder flask, the telescope fitted within the butt, the watch with hinged split-pearl set bezel fitted at the opposite end, beneath the vinaigrette compartment, the hinged lid with azure champlevé enamelled decoration. Enamel side panels with split-pearl set borders, both painted with a composition of summer flowers over a pink flinqué ground, the band chased with lotus flowers against a matt ground, further black champlevé enamelled floral decoration on borders. Gold engine-urned with floral decoration, the Breguet numerals on apolished chapter ring. Blued steel “spade” hands. Hinged quare gilt brass full plate with two cantedcorners and cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flatbalance spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece. Musical movement: Gilt brass shaped with pinned drum and two sets of six stacked tuned teeth.Dim. 65 x 45 mm. Notes The mainspring is signed Carrosale and dated 08/9 (August 1809).This watch is described and illustrated by Osvaldo Patrizzi and Fabienne-Xavière. Sturm in Montres de Fantaisie 1790-1850, Genève, 1979, fig. 53.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2000-04-02
