Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 44

The Arrival of LohengrinUnsigned, Swiss, No. 30514, made for the German market, circa 1890.Very fine 14K two-tone gold and painted on enamel keyless pocket watch.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

EUR 5,000 - 6,000

Sold: CHF 23,000

C. Four-body, "bassine et filets", the front painted in opalescent enamel and gold paillon accents, depicting Lohengrin's descent from his boat pulled by a swan, as Elsa in a white gown looks toward the sky, with Telramund and his knights behind, the back painted with the ride of Apollo with Muses through the sky proceeded by Aurora, accompanied by the Muses, bezels chased with repeated pattern, red-gold band with oak leaves, gold hinged cuvette. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, five-minue Arabic markers. Gold "fancy" hands with inset paste stone. M. 49 mm. (22'''), half plate, frosted gilt, 18 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with blued steel Breguet balance spring.Stamped with unidentified maker's mark on the movement.Diam. 61 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Lohengrinis the hero of the German legend of the Knight of the Swan. Parsifal's son Lohengrin was sent from the castle of the Grail to seek the young duchess Elsa of Brabant. Guided by the swan, he reached Antwerp, and married the lady on the condition that she not ask his origin. When years later she broke her promise, Lohengrin departed. The story was followed closely by Richard Wagner in his opera "Lohengrin", in which Lohengrin defends Elsa, accused by Telramund of killing her brother. When Lohengrinpronounces Elsa's innocence, Telramund challenges him. Lohengrin's swan guide finds its origins in the little brother who, in one version of the tale "the Seven Swans", was compelled through the destruction of his golden chain to remain in swan form. In classical mythology, the swan was an attribute of Apollo, hence the Apollo motif on the back.