The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 411

CybèleAttributed to Piguet & Capt, Geneva, enamel attributed to the workshop of J-L Richter, circa 1805.Extremely fine and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel, pearl-set snuff box with a concealed watch and automaton scene.

C. Rectangular with three compartments with pearl borders, the centre panel with a painted on enamel semi-circular medallion depicting Cybèle wearing a turreted 'mural' crown and holding a cornucopia. The 'earth mother' is in her chariot and at her feet is one of the lions who draws it. She is flanked by two spring-loaded panels with classical figures in chased gold over a black enamel ground, the left one covering the watch, the right one the automaton, the base with translucent dark blue and back pattern over an engine-turned ground, the side and back panels en suite with two champlevé enamel harps. The automaton scene with multi-coloured gold cupids at a forge. One pumps the bellows while the fire burns, the other is forging arrow heads, a wind mill turns in the background. D. Rectangular, centre with gold decoration forming the outline of an elaborate clock against dark blue enamel over engine turning, central white enamel dial with Breguet numerals and outer minute divisions, abovwhite enamel dial for subsidiary sunk seconds. Blued-steel 'spearhead' hands. M. 12.7 x 27.3 mm, rectangular, hinged, fixed barrel, cylinder escapement, brass escape wheel, plain brass balance, flat balance spring. The automaton movement rectangular, brass, fixed barrel, six-wheel train, last pinion on eccentric bushing to regulate the speed.The box stamped GGP or GGB under three-pronged coronet.Dim. 80 x 29 x 15 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 462-463.