Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 10, 2013

LOT 386

MAGNIFICENT SILVER-GILT & ENAMEL MYSTERY TABLE CLOCK - `LAC DES CYGNES` H. Arnold & Steinwachs, Genève. Made circa 1920. Exceptionally fine and probably unique, large silver-gilt, marble, painted on enamel, ivory and lapis-lazuli, 8-day going mystery table clock with two 12-hour dials and four swans as hour and minute indicators with 24-hour rotation. Accompanied by a wooden base and glass shade.

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

HKD 165,000 - 250,000 / USD 21,000 - 32,000

Sold: CHF 57,500

Drum-form base with scallop-edged silver-gilt rim, the side very finely painted on enamel with the signs of the zodiac en grisaille on a midnight blue ground painted with gold clouds, silver-gilt chased laurel wreath winding bow, the upper section with translucent and painted on enamel ring decorated as a lilypond, gazebo in the center, the circular base decorated with royal blue enamel, octagonal cupola roof overlaid with translucent midnight-blue enamel painted en grisaille with four flower and fuit vignettes representing the four seasons, gold highlights and lapis-lazuli finial, supported by seven fluted silver-gilt columns with loti-form capitals, within the gazebo in a translucent blue enameled arched niche a very finely carved ivory sculptural group of Cupid and Bacchante, eight tapered fluted columns supporting the clock, octagonal marble base witHEIGHT fluted cylindrical feet. Annular around the base of the gazebo painted on enamel with clouds, gilt-edged blue Arabic numerals 1-12 twice, minute numerals below. Two finely carved ivory swans as hour indicators each making one full rotation in 24-hours, two carved ivory cygnets as minute indicators each making one full rotation in 2 hours. 68 mm., circular, matte gilt, large going barrel, 11 jewels, straight line lever escapement on an oval platform, cut bimetallic compensation balance with 2 adjustments, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Movement signed, case punched with H. Arnold & Steinwachs trademark under the gazebo and Swiss silver marks.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

DIM. 45 x 26 cm. This mystery clock is a magnificent example of 20th century enameling and ivory carving and quite possibly made for exhibition purposes. It is one of the most sophisticated and large examples of this genre and has survived in wonderful condition. Enormous effort has gone into the detail of the enamelling with subtle shading and gold highlights used throughout. The en-grisaille signs of the zodiac around the base are particularly well executed. The ivory sculpture of Bacchante with Cupid is extremely high quality and a work of art in its own right. This clock was made to be seen from all sides to enable the viewer to read the time from any position, to facilitate this the clock has two 12-hour dials and a swan and cygnet at each side for use as indicators. H. Arnold & Steinwachs Table and carriage clock maker, was established in Geneva in 1901, rue du Rhône, 48. From 1910 onwards, supported by innovators such as Gübelin in Lucern, Arnold & Steinwachs, began the production of several clocks, each unique, which were bought by collectors worldwide. The Cupid in a rowing boat, fitted on a revolving mirror and pointing time on the horizontal chapter ring fitted on the edge of an ornemental pound, was among the first produced. Mostly made of gilt silver, they were made in different desgns and decorated with guilloche and flinqué enamel, enhanced with painted scenes and further paillonné or applied ornaments. The enamelers for H.A &St. Were Demole who specialised in enamels painted in the Limoges style and Lossier in miniature scenes painted in the style of the 18th century, afer Boucher and Fragonard.