The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 136

The Snake CharmerFontac, London, No. 404, circa 1790.Fine and very rare gilt metal and enamel watch with concealed enamelled erotic scene and additional 24-hour Chinese chapter ring, made for the Chinese market.

C. Three-body, 'Consular', back cover with finely painted enamel scene of a Chinese monk showing a snake to a young lady elegantly seated beneath a parasol. When the cover is open, the snake, allegory of evil as well as symbol of fertility, has become transformed, taking on mythical proportions. D. White enamel with Roman chapters and Chinese 24-hour characters, outer minute dot divisions. Gold half-moon hands, blued-steel 24 hour hand. M. 46.3 mm o, hinged, gilt brass full plate with cylindricapillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain steel balance, single-footed gilt cock pierced and engraved in asymmetrical scrollings.Signed on the movement.Diam. 63 mm o. Published in the Sandberg book, page 266-267.