Antiquorum Auctioneers since 1974

Geneva, May 10, 2026

LOT 327

JAMES BLACKWELL, ENGLAND, THE MAIDEN WITH A SONGBIRD, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET, SCENT BOTTLE FITTED WITH A WATCH, GLASS AND GILT BRASS

CHF 8,000 - 16,000

HKD 80,000 - 160,000 / USD 10,200 - 20,300 / EUR 8,700 - 17,400 / JPY 1,620,000 - 3,230,000

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: CHF 12,500

A very fine gilt brass and glass, painted on enamel, ruby paste-set, manual wind scent bottle fitted with a watch and a compartment. Concave faceted glass, gilt brass beaded edges, ruby paste-set bezel, back with hinged enamel medallion depicting a lady playing with a bird, molded gilt base with beaded edges, gilt brass stopper with beaded edges and spherical finial. White enamel dial, radial Arabic numerals, outer minute dot divisions.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Brand James Blackwell, England

Model the maiden with a songbird

Year Circa 1775

Movement No. 2151

Caliber 31 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, steel balance with flat balance spring, single-footed cock.

Length 77

Height 155

Width 45

Signature Movement

Notes

Fine and decorative scent bottles such as the present lot are very rare; a handful of makers produced them, among them the famous James Cox. Others are known, such as William Garrett (see the Lord Sandberg Collection, Antiquorum March 31, 2001, lot 22), and James Blackwell, who seems to have worked in the manner of Cox.