Details
SWISS. A VERY RARE SMALL TREFOIL-SHAPED GOLD AND ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET MUSICAL AUTOMATON VINAIGRETTE WITH WATCH
unsigned, circa 1820
the case of trefoil-form decorated with panels of scarlet guilloche enamel within white borders, the base with foliage surrounding a similar three-leaf panel, the hinged lids each decorated in polychrome enamel on a dark brown ground with flowers, instruments and animals representing fidelity, with split-pearl borders, one hinged to reveal the cylinder watch, with plain balance, a white enamel chapter ring with Arabic numerals, winding aperture at three o'clock, with engraved surround, blued steel hands; the other with pierced vinaigrette panel covering the snuff container; the third containing the musical automaton, with pin-drum musical train, wound through the gold enamel background scene with applied three-colour gilt figures of a musician playing a lute, moving his arm, a dog at his feet moving its head- 38mm overall width
unsigned, circa 1820
the case of trefoil-form decorated with panels of scarlet guilloche enamel within white borders, the base with foliage surrounding a similar three-leaf panel, the hinged lids each decorated in polychrome enamel on a dark brown ground with flowers, instruments and animals representing fidelity, with split-pearl borders, one hinged to reveal the cylinder watch, with plain balance, a white enamel chapter ring with Arabic numerals, winding aperture at three o'clock, with engraved surround, blued steel hands; the other with pierced vinaigrette panel covering the snuff container; the third containing the musical automaton, with pin-drum musical train, wound through the gold enamel background scene with applied three-colour gilt figures of a musician playing a lute, moving his arm, a dog at his feet moving its head- 38mm overall width
Literature
A similar piece is illustrated in Le Monde des Automates II by A. Chapuis and E. Gelis, page 50, fig. 320
Further details
END OF SALE