Important Watches, Wristwatches and c...
Geneva, Apr 20, 1996
LOT 67
Unsigned, almost certainly by Piguet & Capt, circa 1805. "La Forge de Venus". Very fine and extremely rare 18 ct. gold and enamel wax case with concealed automaton scene.
CHF 180,000 - 200,000
C. Entirely decorated, top and sides with champleve enamelled decoration, the thick base left blank for the engraving of the seal. Front and back panels centred each with a Cupid painted over an azure ground, between champleve enamelled flowers compositions, musical instrument, and symbols of fidelity. On one of the sides, the spring loaded bottom panel opens to reveal the five-coloured gold automaton scene depicting cherubs forging and sharping weapons for Venus, over a painted enamel landscape with a windmill. M. Gilt brass with going barrel, driving the hammer, the grindstone and the windmill wings by means of cams and levers with a realistic sound. In very good condition. Dim. 107 x 22 x 11 mm.
