The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 4

The OfferingWilliam Carpenter, London, No. 4531, circa 1790.Fine and rare triple-cased gilt metal and enamelled automaton watch with concealed erotic scene, centre-seconds and stop feature, made for the Oriental market.

C. Outer: two-body, 'bassine', pierced band, the back with plain oval reserve surrounded by four flower bouquets, bezels pierced and engraved with foliate decoration, the front with red and green paste stone border. Middle: the bezel with a geometrical pattern in relief, set with alternating pearl and green paste stones, the back with a painted enamel scene showing three classically dressed women making an offering to the God of Love. Inner: two-body, 'bassine', polished. D. White enamel, the Roan chapter ring is set eccentrically at the top, with outer Arabic seconds ring. Gold 'beetle and poker' hands. Aperture at the bottom for the automaton, which is activated by a lever at 2 o'clock. The automaton comprises five hunting scenes which rotate automatically every few seconds. After the last hunting scene there is an 'after the hunt' automated scene, in which a gentleman enjoys a different kind of recreation. M. 52.6 mm o, hinged dial plate, gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillas, two-train, going train with fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, single-footed cock pierced and engraved with symmetrical foliage with an urn at the base, diamond endstone, the automaton, which is activated by a lever at 2 o'clock, is driven from a fixed barrel, the last pinion with a small flirt in adjustable bushing for controlling the speed. Gilded dust ring around the movement.Signed on the movement.Diam. 83 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 262-263.