Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Monaco, Jul 21, 2021

LOT 1

Unsigned
Horological miscellaneous; miniature reproduction of a watchmaker’s workbench with its screw-stool; wood and brass

EUR 1,400 - 2,700

USD 1,700 - 3,300 / HKD 13,000 - 24,900

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: EUR 4,550

Wood (walnut and mountain fir) and brass, miniature reproduction of a traditional watchmaker’s workbench from the Neuch tel mountains, with its screw-stool. The 22 graduated drawers are removable and all mounted with dovetails.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3

Good

Brand Unsigned, probably Le Locle

Year Circa 1950-1960

Case No. 4213065

Length 260 mm

Height 195 mm

Width 95 mm

Weight 500 gr. (approx.)

Notes

This object, which can be considered as a “piece of furniture of mastery”, was made in the 1950-1960’s by a craftsman of Le Locle (canton of Neuchâtel), … whose name we have unfortunately not been able to find! He was a cabinetmaker and carpenter by formation and spent his free time recreating miniature furniture from the Neuchâtel mountains. First made for his children, he then sold them at Christmas time, thus providing him with a small financial boost.
In the 1990s, another craftsman from L’Auberson, near Sainte-Croix (canton of Vaud) also recreated this kind of “adult toy”. His advertisement was: “Pour votre plaisir, vos cadeaux, votre décoration / Etabli miniature ancien horloger 1/5e / avec quinquet, tabouret, outils, mannequins / Exécution artisanale très soignée digne d’une pièce de musée.”
For your pleasure, your gifts, your decoration / Miniature antique watchmaker’s workbench 1/5th / with lamp, stool, tools, mannequins / Very careful handcrafted execution worthy of a museum piece.
Please note that the Playmobil® is not included in this lot, being the property of one of the sons of your antique horological expert !

*a 20% import VAT is due on the hammer price with buyer's premium, plus 150€ for termination of temporary export, at buyer's expense, only if it is delivered within the EU