Swiss possibly Piguet et Capt, circa 1810. Exceptional gold, enamel and pearl-set combined two-bladed knife containing a watch and musical movement. | Important Collectors Wristwatches Pocket Watches & Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 21st October 1995

Important Collectors Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 911

Swiss possibly Piguet et Capt, circa 1810. Exceptional gold, enamel and pearl-set combined two-bladed knife containing a watch and musical movement.

CHF 180,000 - 220,000

C. Tapering gold frame, the borders with bright-cut engraved decoration, the sides in sky blue champlevé enamel amidst floral bouquets and urns set with split pearls; one panel with a pendant of fruit in polychrome enamel on a puce ground, the opposite side sliding to reveal the watch. One gold blade for cutting roses, the other steel blade for cutting apples. D. White enamel Arabic chapterring with minute points, matted centre and radiating pattern surround. Blued-steel bands. M. Shaped brass plates, going barrel, cylinder escapement with brass escape wheel, plain brass balance with spring. Pin barrel musical train released at will by a detent on the case. Fitted case and gold key. In excellent condition. Dim: 60 mm. closed.

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Notes

Only small group of knives in gold and enamel with additional complications are known. The simplest type contains only a musical train wound by a slide, and an example is known with an automaton scene. The example now offered for sale is remarkably compact in view of its complexity.