Description
BEAUTIFUL KEY POCKET WATCH, with double repoussé gold case with hour and quarter repeater. The first is surrounded by engraved and pierced interlacing foliage, with a finely repoussé medallion depicting a mythological scene in the center. The second is engraved with interlacing branches and flowers and pierced on the edge. The number "364" is engraved on the bezel and under the bezel. White enamel dial with double numbering in Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic for the minutes. Louis XV-style hands. Silver dust cover signed "London". Gilt brass movement, pierced and engraved cock, three-arm balance, baluster-quadrangular pillars, spindle with chain and verge escapement. Armed with a two-hammer bell repeater mechanism. Under the bell, the initials "ICB" surmounted by a crown. The movement plate is signed "Menuisier, London". Second half of the 18th century. Diameter: 47 mm. Gross weight: 90.54 g. (wear on the case). Attached is a small gold chain bearing a rectangular brass key with cut corners, featuring the profile of Bonaparte. Ringing on demand In working condition (no warranty). Escapes and rings History: According to family tradition, this watch belonging to Bonaparte is said to have rung at the Battle of Rivoli. Frédéric Masson and Octave Aubry note that on January 1, 1819, the Emperor gave Grand Marshal Bertrand one of his gold watches (in exchange for one of his own), saying: "Here, Bertrand, it was striking two o'clock at night in Rivoli, when I ordered Joubert to attack." Provenance: -Estate of General Comte Henri Gatien Bertrand. -Collection Delafosse. -Sale of the Delafosse Collection, Fontainebleau (Maître Osenat), November 7, 2004, n°505. -Jean Louis Noisiez Collection.
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