Magnificent French gold miniature Lépine with jasper Circa 1840

Lépine with jasper on case back and chatelaine
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An 18 Carat gold miniature Lépine with jasper case and chatelaine, made by Jean-Baptiste Urgele in Toulouse, France, circa 1840. The open face case is made from 18 Carat gold and the jasper (bloodstone) on the back of the case is adorned with applied gold relief in the form of a bouquet, set with rubies and diamonds. The white enamel dial (with craquelure in the edge area) has Breguet hands and the movement has a cylinder escapement.
The associated gilded chatelaine is also adorned with stone trimmings, including an upper part with a very attractive agate inlay. All three strands are decorated with stone balls, including jasper like the case. One strand even features the original key, which is also made of jasper but is now square and worn. Another strand has a pendant in the form of a miniature whistle, which is likely made of jade. A carabiner has been added for convenience.
Dust cover signed.
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Diameter: 28.5 mm
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Weight: 20 g
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Signed: Urgele à Toulouse
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Jean Baptiste Urgele was a renowned watchmaker from Toulouse, France, who lived around the mid 19^th century. Although information about his life and work is scarce, some of his notable timepieces have been documented. One of his most famous creations is a gold pocket watch that he made around 1840. This watch features intricate engravings on the case, as well as a complex movement with a perpetual calendar and moon phase indicator. Another notable timepiece attributed to Urgele is a silver pocket watch that he made around the same time period. This watch features a simple yet elegant design, with a white enamel dial and blue steel hands. Unfortunately, due to the limited information available about Jean Baptiste Urgele, it is unclear what other timepieces he may have created during his career.