French 18K gold and enamel decorated verge watch Circa 1790
- Kenmerk
- AL2650
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Estimate
- € 1.750 - 3.500
- Price sold
- € 1.400
Gold verge pocket watch by Melly Brothers
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A small French 18 carat yellow gold and enamel decorated verge pocket watch, circa 1790. This pocket watch features a mechanical verge movement with fusee and chain, and a spiral. The plate is signed F. MELLY à Paris and numbered. The dial is made of white enamel, featuring Roman numeral indexes for the hours and Arabic numerals with a railway track for the minutes in black. The cover is decorated with a cylindrical medallion in opaque and translucent enamels, depicting Venus dancing with a putto on a wavy, radiating guilloché background, surrounded by a line of dots on a background of opaque white enamel. The case and bezel are en suite, without enamel. The case back has the initials of the silversmith [SDB] and hallmark [with three chevrons].
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Diameter: 40.5 mm.
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Weight: 52,9 g
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Signed: F. Melly à Paris
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The case has been modified with an old winding by the rod of the hoop, which has been soldered in place. There is wear and tear to the enamels, as well as hair, cracks, and chips to the dial and keyhole. Scratches from use are present.
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There were many watchmakers named Melly in Geneva and Paris throughout the 18th century. Towards the end of the century, the Melly brothers were known for their activity in both cities until the 1830s.
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Melly Frères was established around 1800 by Ami André Melly and Ferdinand Melly in Geneva. On behalf of this Geneva firm, Antoine Tavan produced 12 escapement models circa 1804, including some of his own designs (now housed in the Geneva Watchmaking School). After Ruel died in 1829, Ferdinand continued working alone until 1840.
Signed: F. Melly à Paris

















