13,800 CHF
Etienne Tavernier, Paris, circa 1820. Rare 18K gold astronomical, moon phase, mechanical calendar key. "Empire", polished, glazed on both faces. White enamel on the front with day and date indications. Blued steel "cathedral" hands. Back with foliate-engraved gold plate with moon phase aperture, age of the moon engraved on the border. All the functions advance by depressing a small lever protruding from the band each time the key is inserted in the winding square.Signed on the dial.Diam. 25 mm. Notes Etienne Tavernierinvented this type of watch key while working in the rue de Bussy in Paris, (1772-1804). A reproduction of the original instructions supplied by Tavernier for such astronomical keys is published by Mathieu Planchon in "Musée rétrospectif de la Classe 96, Horlogerie à l'Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 à Paris", p. 141, pl. CXVIII bis.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-10-13
