Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 11, 2019

LOT 12

SOUVENIR D’AMITIE, GOLD, ENAMEL AND DIAMONDS CARNET DE BAL

CHF 4,000 - 6,000

HKD 32,000 - 48,000 / USD 4,000 - 6,000

Very fine, “Etui-à-tablette”, carnet-de-bal; yellow gold, enamel and diamonds. “Souvenir d’amitié”.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 3

Good

Brand F H

Year Circa 1780-1790

Material Yellow gold, enamel and diamonds

Dimensions 84.6 x 55.2 x 9.5 mm

Notes

Yellow gold, varicoloured gold, enamel and diamonds, flattened oblong tapering rectangular-shaped, “Etui-à-tablette”, carnet-de-bal, with inside, three-leaved ivory tablets with gold rivet and a gold pencil. Guilloché (engine-turning) and varicoloured gold chiselled structure with enamel decoration imitating the marble, with, in the centre, inside gold frames, oval panels; the first depicting in polychrome a charming scene with a young fisherman having a little chat with a young washerwomen with her untimely naked breast, near a child; the second containing a wisp of blond hair and the varicoloured gold chiselled dedication “A toi” (To you). “Etui-à-tablette” The fashion of these small étuis (cases) develops throughout the 18th century. These small flat cases containing a writing kit (ivory tablets and pencil) are then used to record his appointments. These cases are the ancestors of the carnets-de-bal (notebooks) that will develop during the 19th century.The inscription “Souvenir d’amitié” (Souvenir of Friendship) underlines the sentimental value of such gifts