Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 120

The Harp Unsigned, Geneva, circa 1805. Very fine and rare 18K gold and enamel pearl-set musical harp fitted with a watch.

CHF 45,000 - 55,000

EUR 30,000 - 35,000

C. Front of the soundboard painted on enamel with an allegory of Music, below within a half pearl frame is the watch, the sides with an applied gold allegory of Love, the rest decorated mainly with blue enamel, the pegs for the gold strings set with diamonds. D. White enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, blued steel "spearhead" hands set in the center of a trapezoidal, dark blue champlevé plate with gold floral pattern. M. Trapezoidal, gilt full plate, circular pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance with blued steel flat spring, the continental cock pierced and engraved with asymmetrical scrolling foliage. Musical movement: barillet type with five teeth, five-wheel train, interesting speed regulation by means of a small pin protruding through the case, changing position of the last pinion bushing. Dim. 79 x 44 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4 - 21
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

This is an example of the musical objects of vertu Geneva was famous for in the beginning of the nineteenth century. A very similar harp with an almost identical movement is in the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, Seewen, inv. LM 71523.