8,050 CHF
Crossing the Stream. Roman, Melly & Roux a Constance, No. 8847, circa 1790. Very fine 18K gold, painted on enamel watch. Two-body, back painted on enamel, depicting a young man helping a lady to cross a stream at dawn, champlevé bezels with gold paillons. 33 mm., 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, movement also punched with a letter "C" in a shield.Diam. 39 mm. Notes An interesting piece by the brothers Melly of Geneva, who apparently took advantage of the new market opening up in Constance, where a colony of Genevan watchmakers was established. A decree of the emperor in 1785 addressed the situation of the Swiss watchmakers established there. The colony remained active until 1796.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2003-10-11
