17,825 CHF
“The Automaton Goblet” Jozsef Nagy, Marosvasarhely-Erdely. Made in Hungary probably in the second half of 18th Century, possibly using earlier components. Fine, probably unique, silver goblet with concealed musical box and automaton wheels to allow horizontal movement. Accompanied by a photocopy of the Ord-Hume article relating to the goblet. Two-body, engraved with stripes with punched decoration, the front with an oval cartouche inscribed “Ezgpohgr Bujdosik Kirozsgmert num iszik G Kirglyngk nem hive se g Hgzghoz nincs szive 1651”, everted rim, stepped foot, gilt interior, the base secured by three screws, three brass serrated-edge wheels protruding through the base-plate, winding arbours for the music and the motionwork. 58 mm., brass full-plate, going barrels, two driving wheels on a common axis driven through a contrate wheel engaging with a long small-diameter pinion, the third wheel forming an equilateral triangle with the other two for stability, sur plateau-type musical mechanism with ten individually footed tuned steel teeth, stop/start work on edge of disc. Movement signed. Dim. Height 105 mm. Diameter 74 mm. Notes The silver goblet bears a Hungarian inscription and the date “1651”, the meaning is almost untranslatable but literally reads: “This glass is hiding / he who doesn't drink for my love / is not (a) follower of The King / neither loves wholeheartedly his country”. The tone of the inscription is reminiscent of the subterfuge and uprisings of the 17th
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2005-10-16