A. Schneider, Dresden, No. 2207, circa 1870. Magnificent and historically important 18k gold and enamel, rock crystal and gem-set hunting cased keyless watch specially made for the King Louis Il of Bavaria with a heavy matching chain and a very fine sapphire and diamond set, lapis lazuli and gold seal in form of a horseshoe with a gold chased horse passing through. | Important Watches and Wristwatches | St-moritz, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, 25th February 1990

Important Watches and Wristwatches

St-moritz, Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Feb 25, 1990

LOT 260

A. Schneider, Dresden, No. 2207, circa 1870. Magnificent and historically important 18k gold and enamel, rock crystal and gem-set hunting cased keyless watch specially made for the King Louis Il of Bavaria with a heavy matching chain and a very fine sapphire and diamond set, lapis lazuli and gold seal in form of a horseshoe with a gold chased horse passing through.

CHF 80,000 - 120,000

Sold: CHF 234,500

Four body massive "bas-sine" case. the cover of blue translucent enamel over engine turning framed with diamonds and with the very fine diamond set applied monogram of Louis Il of Bavaria below the Royal Crown. The back with sapphire set on the edge is heavily chased with the rock crystal covered enamelled coat-of-arms of the King. Gold cuvette. White enamel dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. Very fine gilt brass 18'" three quarter plate movement, 20 jewels in gold screwed settings, gold straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with diamond endstone and Breguet balance spring. Signed on the dial and the movement. In very good condition. Diam. 50 mm.

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Louis Il. King of Bavaria, born 1845 in Nymphenburg. drowned 1886 in Starnberg Lake. Son of King Maximilian Il and of Princess Marie of Prussia, he succeeded his father in 1864. He relinquished all powers of state to his ministers. In 1866 he helped Austria fight the Prussians, but following Austria's defeat, concluded an offensive and defensive alliance treaty with Prussia and supported the latter against France in 1870. At Bismarck's request. Bavaria joined the Northern German Confederation and in his letter of 7 December 1870 Louis suggests that William I of Prussia be proclaimed Emperor of Germany. However. Louis 2 II did not attend the Coronation ceremony which Look place at Versailles. In 1872 he refused to go to Berlin and devoted himself to preserving Bavaria's autonomy in the face of Prussian hegemony. Henceforth Louis was to Jose all interest in current affairs and cultivate excentric and solitary fastes in the shape of grandiose constructions (Linderhof, Berg. Hohenschwangau, Herrenchiemsee), an obsession for Louis XIV and a deep admiration for the works of Wagner, a friend and protégé since 1866. Declared insane of mind in 1886 Louis was taken to Berg Castle. He was found drowned in Starnberg Lake the day after his arrivai. His brother Othon also suffered from insanity so their uncle Luitpoid became regent of the kingdom.