Important Collectors' Watches, Pocket...

Geneva, Mar 16, 2008

LOT 16

Cercle Tournant Italian. Made circa 1660. Fine, rare and unusual, small, obelisk-form gilt brass table clock with cercles tournant dial.

CHF 17,000 - 22,000

USD 15,000 - 20,000 / EUR 11,000 - 14,000

C. Gilt brass, obelisk-form, the upper section glazed on four sides and surmounted by a flambeau finial, rectangular stiff-leaf decorated base glazed on four sides to view the movement, fluted Doric pilasters at each corner, the frieze and base engraved with the inscription: Ex Dono Domini Ioannis Gaigne Regi A Consiliis in Aerario Svessi Svae et Qvaestoris et Praefecti, Anno D. 1668, apertures in the base for the winding and regulation, four turned gilt brass feet. D. Rotating silvered annular with Roman numerals, half and quarter-hour divisions, domed gilt brass top and base, the top engraved with astronomic charts. Steel pointer mounted below a flambeau finial. M. 76 x 48 mm., rectangular gilt brass plates, square baluster pillars, fusee with gut, three-wheel train, six-leaf pinions, verge escapement, three-arm gilt brass balance, short balance spring, rack and pinion regulator. Dim. 28 x 9 x 6 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted
Movement: 3-9-20*

Good

Scratched

Period original

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The Latin inscription above can be translated as follows: PRESENT TO THE KING BY M. JOANNIS GAIGNE, TREASURER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORS OF THE PUBLIC TREASURE FROM SESSA/AURUNCA. Sessa Aurunca: town and episcopal, province of Caserta, Campania region of southern Italy, built on a lava deposit of the extinct Roccamonfina volcano, north-northwest of Naples. The town is on the site of the ancient Suessa Aurunca, the chief city of the Aurunci (an ancient Italic tribe), which was punished by the Romans for refusing to pay tribute.