The Private Collection of Theodor Beyer

Hotel Baur Au Lac, Zurich, Nov 16, 2003

LOT 50

The Seesaw. Attributed to Piguet et Capt, Geneva, No. 103, circa 1810, mounted in a box from circa 1850. Very fine and interesting gold-mounted brown agate and silver gilt musical snuffbox fitted with quarter- repeating center seconds watch and independent automaton.

C. Cartouche-shaped, curved in an asymmetrical pattern from a single piece of brown agate, molded sides, hinged lid applied with gold leaf garlands, stylized foliage and scrolling, the top with circular aperture for the clock,below aperture for the automaton depicting an animated painted on enamel lady and gentleman on a seesaw while another lady plays the harp, painted on enamel background depicting a country house and garden, gold mesh cord terminated with a pearl for activating the repeater at the right side, pushpiece at the left activating the music and automaton. D. White enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute/seconds divisions, blue champlevé enamel border. Blued steel "spear" hands. M. Trapezoidal, 63 x 16 x 13, full plate, gilt brass, fixed barrel, cylinder escapement with brass escape wheel, three-arm gold balance with flat balance spring, Le Roy type repeating system with all-or-nothing with unusual double quarter rack, repeating on two straight gongs, by pulling gold cord at the right side in the lid.Music and automaton movement: Trapezoidal, 63 x 17 x 10 mm, mainspring in fixed barrel, six vibrating tuned blades with different heights of feet, pinned barrel, 7-wheel train, pinion governor in eccentric adjustable bushing for tempo adjustment.Serial number scratched in Piguet and Capt's typical manner on each movement.Dim. 95 x 62 x 43 mm..