Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Geneva, Nov 11, 2012
LOT 417
WATCH KEY "HELVETIA" Swiss. Made in the late 19th century. Fine and very rare, silver and enamel watch key.
CHF 1,000 - 2,000
USD 1,100 - 2,200 / EUR 850 - 1,700
Circular, both sides with the fi gure of Helvetia holding a spear and a shield with the Swiss fl ag in red and white enamel, blue enamel background with stars, pierced scroll border. Diam. 39 mm. In very good condition
Notes
Lot 417 Helvetia is the female national
personifi cation of Switzerland, offi cially
Confoederatio Helvetica, the "Helvetic
Confederation".The allegory is typically
pictured in a fl owing gown, with a spear
and a shield emblazoned with the
Swiss fl ag. The name is a derivation of
theethonvm Helvetii, the name of the
Gaulish tribe inhabiting the Swiss Plateau
prior to the Roman Conquest