Swiss 18K gold combined form watch and perfume sprinklers Circa 1806

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Kenmerk: FA0256
Diameter: -

Estimate: € 250.000 - 500.000
Price sold: € 279.300

Gold pair of combined flintlock pistol shaped watch and perfume sprinklers
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An extremely rare Swiss 18 carat gold, enamel and pearl set pair of combined watch and perfume sprinklers in the form of a flintlock pistol made for the Chinese market attributed to Moulinié, Bautte & Cie in Geneva, circa 1806. Gilt brass full plate movements with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, a verge escapement, plain three arm brass balance, and a pierced and engraved continental cock.

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The grip of the pistols with translucent scarlet enamel over a guilloché ground decorated with small gold rosettes on black champlevé enamel with a gold flower, the borders set with half pearls, further gold plates, finely chased with a dog on one side and a stag on the other framed with half pearls. The barrels of translucent cobalt blue champlevé enamel over a guilloché ground with a raised gold scroll design simulating damascene work. The perfume is released through the pistils of a gold lotus flower with enamelled petals, which are shot out of the barrel. Cocking the hammer and lowering the trigger winds the mechanism. The watch is concealed at the end of the grip, the bezel of the spring loaded front and back cover is set with half pearls, decorated with a guilloché rosette and centred by a larger half pearl. White enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals, outer minute divisions and gold spade hands.

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This exceptional pair comes in a fitted Chinese presentation box including original pistol shaped winding keys decorated with matching translucent scarlet enamel and white enamel borders.
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Length: 111 mm

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Signed: No name
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Although not signed, these pieces are almost identical to examples, enabling one to attribute them to the same makers.

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Moulinié, Bautte & Cie (1772-1837). Jean-François Bautte, born in 1772, became apprenticed at age 12, learning the crafts of casemaker, engine turner, watchmaker, jeweller and gem setter. He was barely 19 years old when he signed his first watch. In 1797, Bautte took the case maker Moulinié as a partner. In 1804, they were joined by watchmaker Jean Gabriel Moynier, the name of the company becoming first Moulinié, Bautte & Cie., then Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier. In the early 19th century, Bautte was Geneva’s most important dealer.