The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 412

Playing at Thread the NeedleF. L. Godon, the enamel painting attributable to the workshop of J-L Richter, Geneva, circa 1820.Very fine and rare elliptical 18 ct. gold and enamel snuff box with concealed watch

C. Three-body, two hinged covers, the larger one with a painted enamel scene of children at play, the smaller one with a boy with his dog watching them, after 'Playing at Thread the Needle', an engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi (1725-1815) from a painting by William Hamilton (1751-1801). Champlevé enamel border with a repeated geometrical pattern in azure and blue, the sides of Imperial blue translucent enamel over engine-turning, centred by a champlevé rosette in azure and black enamel within aengraved gold border. D. Shield-shaped, white enamel circle on a blue ground, Breguet numerals, small azure circle at the bottom with an index regulator. Blued-steel Breguet hands. M. Shield-shaped, gilt brass full plate, fixed barrel, cylinder escapement, brass escape wheel, plain three-arm brass balance, flat balance spring, rack and pinion regulator extendingto the dial.Signed on the movement, box stamped with later French gold marks.Dim. 96 x 26 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 462-463.