Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 61

James Cox, London, No. 232, circa 1760, made for the Chinese Market. An exceptionaly fine and rare 22 ct. gold and hardstone snuff box, containing a watch, and a secret compartment revealing an erotic automaton scenes.

C. Rectangular with hinged double lid, the sides, top and base with pair-matched panels of grey striated agate all overlaid with repoussé rococco scroll strapwork intersected with garlands of flowers, opening to access the snuff compartment, the watch contained within the bombé lid panel, secret secondary opening on the same hinge to reveal a finely chased panel and an ivory painted panel depicting a group of ladies and a young girl gazing in rapt attention at a "magical" box operated by a gentleman holding out his cocked hat into which the audience are breathlessly dropping their coins in anticipation of the coming spectacle. Clearly the 18th Century was a period of role reversai with scant regard for the protection of minors. Sliding out a diminutive appendage on the edge of the box activates the show beginning with the disappearance of the front panel, followed by a static display of a lady and gentlemen partly disrobed in a senti can-can position, closely followed by a rather stiff representation of coites verticalis and coming finally to the automaton scene conducted in similarly upright stance, but nonetheless proving that they certainly can-can. D. White enamel, Roman numerals with winding aperture at 7 o'clock. Pierced gold hands. M. Gilt brass full-plate, with turned pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm steel balance, flat spring with regulator. Signed on the movement . In excellent condition. Dim: 80 x 47 x 58 mm.