ID 992593
Lot 43 | A SWISS ENAMELLED GOLD MUSICAL SNUFF-BOX WITH A WATCH
Estimate value
£ 15 000 – 20 000
GENEVA, CIRCA 1800
Rectangular, the cover, sides and base engraved with wavy engine-turning within black enamelled foliate border, 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
31/4 in. (82 mm.) wide
gross weight 5 oz. 4 dwt. (163 gr.)
Provenance
Anonymous sale; Christie's, Geneva, 15 November 1994, lot 29.
Special notice
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
| Medium: | Acrylic glass, Enamel, Gold, Plastic |
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| Place of origin: | Western Europe, Europe, Switzerland |
| Auction house category: | All other types of objects, Cans and snuffboxes, Boxes and Cases |
| Medium: | Acrylic glass, Enamel, Gold, Plastic |
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| Place of origin: | Western Europe, Europe, Switzerland |
| Auction house category: | All other types of objects, Cans and snuffboxes, Boxes and Cases |
| Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 8 King Street, St. James's SW1Y 6QT London United Kingdom | |
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| Phone | +44 (0)20 7839 9060 | |
| Buyer Premium | see on Website | |
| Conditions of purchase | Conditions of purchase |






