Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhône, Oct 15, 2006

LOT 314

"Eleven Watch Keys & Berlin Ironwork key" German, French and English. Made in the late 18th/mid 19th Century.

CHF 1,500 - 2,000

EUR 1,000 - 1,300 / USD 1,200 - 1,600

Sold: CHF 3,540

A Berlin ironwork key and steel chain; a silver wirework key, two seals and a six strand chain; three silver coin keys, a seal and two strand silver chain; a gold hand form propelling key with turquoise ring; a large square gilt metal chased scrollwork key with hardstone matrix engraved with initials; an ebony bead key and seal; a gilt metal key with bust of Garibaldi; a gold and enamel key and seal with Royal blue and white enamel decoration; a gold horse's hoof key; a gold hound's head key.
In good condition, some slight wear
To be sold without reserve


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view

Notes

Berlin Iron Work 1796 to 1850 delicate lace like jewelry was produced by Prussian Royal iron foundries from molten iron. In 1806 Napoleon defeated Prussia and took patterns from the foundry to Paris. Requests were made by the Prussian Royal family for donations of gold jewelry to help the war effort and in return citizens were given iron jewelry. The castings were treated with linseed cakes which left a black coating on the metal.