Important Collector's Wristwatches an...

Hong Kong, Hotel Furama Kempinski, Jun 14, 1995

LOT 245

Auguste Courvoisier, No. 58573, Swiss, made for Abdulmecid lst, Pasha of the Ottoman Empire, circa 1850. The enamel in the manner of Aimé Julien Troll. Fine 18 ct. gold and enamel hunting cased, double calendar watch, the cover with the painted enamel portrait of the Pasha, the back with a view of Constantinople.

HKD 175,000 - 200,000

USD 23,000 - 27,000

C. Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", the band with engraved foliage, the enamel cover painted with a portrait of Abdulmecid Pasha, the border with blue white and red champlevé enamelled decoration, the back with a fine view of the Bosphore, Constantinople on the background, within blue and red translucent enamel interlaced ribbon an further champleve decoration. Hinged gold cuvette with engine-turned border. D. White enamel with small gilt floral decoration, Turkish numerals, subsidiary Turkish chapters for the days of the week and the dates. Blued steel fancy hands. M. Gilt brass, bar calibre with going barrel, 15 jewels, counterpoised straight lino lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, flat balance spring with regulator. Signed on the cuvette. In very good condition. Diam. 47 mm.


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Abdulmecid or Abd ul Medjid (1823-1861), 31st Ottoman Sultan. Succeeded to his father Mahmoud in 1839, eight days after the defeat of Nézib. Protected by the European Nations against the ambitions of the Egyptian Pacha. The hatt-i shérif of Gulhané promulgated the 3 November 1839 form the main part of the Tanzimat Khaïrie (happy organisation). On 18 February 1856, he signed the Hatt-i Houmaïoun, which improved the condition of the Christians but suppressed with vigour the insurrections in Albania, in Syria, in Bosnia and in the Montenegro. Threatened by Russia, he was supported by France and England and the result of the Guerre d'Orient, was to incorporate, by means of the Traité de Paris (30 March 1856), the Turkey in the European concert. In 1860, the European nations had to be brought in Syria to help him to fight the Druses. He was succeeded by his brother Abdul Aziz. Aimé Julien Troll (1781-1852). Famous enamel painter. Went into partnership with Jean-Louis Richter in 1828. He was specialised in the decoration of watch cases and snuff boxes painted with portraits, lake sicle and mountain landscapes. Was still working with Richter in 1838.