Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 96

Attributed to James Cox, movement by J. Grantham, London, No. 5778, made for the Chinese market circa 1760. Exceptional and extremely rare gilt mounted agate traveler's nécessaire fitted with a watch, compass and spy glass.

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

EUR 13,000 - 19,000

Sold: CHF 20,700

C. Rectangular, in the shape of a casket with hinged lid, made of gray/brown striped agate mounted in repoussé gold with floral and rocaille pattern, dragon feet, inside compartments with four scent bottles, spy glass, a mirror, a lens,an ear spoon, a brush and a watch key. The watch is mounted inside the lid. D. Gold, with applied Roman numerals, outer minute dot divisions, winding aperture at 6 o'clock, engine-turned center. Gold "spade" hands. M. 35 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, steel balance with flat balance spring, single-footed cock.Signed on the movement.Dim. 9 x 7 x 6 cm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 32 - 05

Notes

Very few of these caskets are known. One, made by James Cox, is now in the Palace Museum of the Forbidden City. The similarities between them are so striking that there is little doubt it came from the same workshop; the same type of agate was used, same pattern of mounting, and the same feet, only the watch differs.