Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 32

The Cittern. Faizan Frères, Genève, circa 1800. Fine and amusing 18K gold and enamel pearl-set form watch with a concealed dial, designed as a cittern, in original leather fitted box.

CHF 6,000 - 8,000

EUR 3,900 - 5,200

Sold: CHF 7,475

C. Two-body, "fermée" type, the sound-board with translucent scarlet enamel over a flinqué ground, decorated with a single leaf branch, the border and sound-opening set with half pearls, the balance cock visible through the sound-opening, the front of the neck in black enamel, the back of the sound-box with blue champlevé enamel decorated with a single leaf branch and an open musical score, the back of the neck in the same enamel, the border with a geometrical pattern, the band with a gold floral pattern alternating with half pearls. D. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute ring. Gold "arrowhead" hands. M. 20 mm. (9''', hinged, frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock.Signed on the movement.Dim. 67 x 27 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 24*

Slightly chipped

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 12 - 20 - 05

Notes

The cittern, also called the "English guitar" during the 18th century, is an instrument of great antiquity, being exceedingly popular in Shakespeare's time. An almost identical cittern was in the Lord Sandberg Collection, sold by Antiquorum in Geneva on March 31, 2001, lot 167. Faizan (also Faizant, Faisan) Abraham I. (1709-1791).A Master and merchant of horological goods. He became associated with his brother Jean-Zacharie, under the name of Faizan frères. "Dictionnaire des Horlogers Genevois" by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Antiquorum Editions, Geneva, 1998.