Details
A SWISS MUSICAL ENAMELLED GOLD SNUFF-BOX WITH A WATCH
probably Geneva, circa 1800
Rectangular box, the cover, sides and base engraved with wavy engine-turning, the borders enamelled in black, the cover centered by a glazed circular bezel bordered by half-pearls protecting the watch dial, the lid opening to show an engraved gold panel enamelled in blue with foliage and musical trophies, containing the enamel dial with Roman chapters, three key holes, one to start the music, one to wind the movement and one to set the hands, on the left an Avance and Retour scale to regulate the time-keeping; on the back a lever to release the music, the base with a hinged lid to open the key compartment; the interior containing a gilt-finished cylinder movement with musical mechanism formed by a rotating wheel with pointed stubs against which nineteen blades create the sound, the shorter blades giving the acute sounds and the longer ones producing the deeper tonalities --82 mm wide.
probably Geneva, circa 1800
Rectangular box, the cover, sides and base engraved with wavy engine-turning, the borders enamelled in black, the cover centered by a glazed circular bezel bordered by half-pearls protecting the watch dial, the lid opening to show an engraved gold panel enamelled in blue with foliage and musical trophies, containing the enamel dial with Roman chapters, three key holes, one to start the music, one to wind the movement and one to set the hands, on the left an Avance and Retour scale to regulate the time-keeping; on the back a lever to release the music, the base with a hinged lid to open the key compartment; the interior containing a gilt-finished cylinder movement with musical mechanism formed by a rotating wheel with pointed stubs against which nineteen blades create the sound, the shorter blades giving the acute sounds and the longer ones producing the deeper tonalities --82 mm wide.