Exceptional Collectors Timepieces, Ho...

Geneva, May 15, 2005

LOT 185

A letter from Etienne de Montgolfier (1745-1799) to Abraham Louis Breguet, dated 23 messidor VI (July 11, 1798) concerning Breguet?s constant force escapement, and a drawing of the escapement that Montgolfier had done. The Montgolfier brohers, Joseph Michel and Étienne Jacques were pioneers in hot-air balloon flight. The first hot-air balloon was launched in the marketplace of Annonay. The Montgolfiers carried out the next experiment at Versailles, where a large audience includ-ing Louis XVI and Marie Antionette admired their balloon as it ascended, carrying a sheep, a cock, and a duck. The flight lasted eight-minutes and the balloon ascended to a height of approximately 3 km.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

EUR 20,000 - 25,000 / USD 25,000 - 35,000

Sold: CHF 41,400


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