A SWISS GILT BRASS MINIATURE MINUTE-REPEATING CARRIAGE TIMEP...

Estimate

£800 - £1,200

A SWISS GILT BRASS MINIATURE MINUTE-REPEATING CARRIAGE TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, PROBABLY GENEVA, CIRCA 1900The circular frosted eight-day keyless winding movement with five-wheel going train, straight-line lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance and with push button repeat sounding on a graduated pair of gongs the hours on the larger followed by ting-tang quarters on both and finally the minutes on the smaller, the 1.25 inch circular silvered brass dial applied with vertically aligned gilt Arabic numerals and with gilt spade hands set behind circular glass with canted gilt bezel insert, the frosted gilt Anglaise type case of Mignonette No. 1 size with hinged reeded baton carrying handle over repeat plunder to top, moulded frieze with fluted band insert and stylised fluted three-quarter Corinthian inspired column uprights to angles with satin-gilt panel infill between, on stepped moulded skirt base bordered with a conforming fluted band and with sliding cover to the underside revealing winding/setting crown, micrometer regulation adjustment disc and stamped serial number 257099; with original Morocco leather covered carrying case with two-part hinged front revealing a green silk and velvet lined interior.The timepiece 8.5cm (3.375ins) high with handle down, 5.5cm (2.25ins) wide, 4.5cm (1.75ins) deep; the case 11cm (4.25ins) high, 7.5cm (3ins) wide, 6cm (2.375ins) deep.Miniature minute-repeating carriage timepieces were developed by Swiss makers during the last decade of the 19th century, who utilised their skills as watchmakers to produce high-quality movements such as that used in the present lot. Such Miniature timepieces are called Mignonettes or 'little darlings' and mostly come in three graded sizes with No. 1 being the smallest.

More Information

Movement is in fairly clean working condition and the minute-repeat function is operating correctly, there is no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. Although in working in order a precautionary gentle clean/service is advised. The dial has some very light rubbing and mellowing to the silvering and the minute hand may be a replacement (colour differs slightly from the hour hand) but otherwise is in good original condition. The case is also in good original condition with only very light edge rubbing to the gilding and overall very light mellowing. The travelling case is in very good original condition with minimal wear to the silk and velvet linings.Timepiece is complete with integral winder.