24/04/2025
Antique early 19th-century Swiss music s***f box, crafted in 18-carat gold and exquisitely decorated with multi-coloured enamels. Of elegant rectangular form, the case features engine-turned detailing throughout, with the top surface later embellished with old cut diamonds spelling the name “Belle”. This sits against a richly enameled dark blue ground, framed by a taille d’épargne border of tulips and plumes on a vibrant cornflower blue opaque enamel.
The exterior is adorned with a lavish polychrome palette of enamel — deep and light blues, reds, greens, oranges, and whites — all intricately bordered with chased gold foliate motifs. Each side is centered with navette-shaped dark blue enamel medallions, enhancing the symmetry and elegance of the design.
A discreet sliding switch at the reverse activates the concealed musical movement. Lifting the lid reveals a pierced rose gold grille, meticulously engraved with a trophy of love, birds, and floral roundels of vine leaves, concealing a s***f compartment beneath. The key-wound mechanism, accessible via a keyhole at the base, plays for approximately 3.5 minutes when fully wound in an anti-clockwise direction. A masterpiece of Swiss horological and decorative arts, this piece not only embodies technical innovation but also the romantic and artistic sensibilities of its time. Hallmarked maker’s mark SD in a horizontal lozenge (Sené & Detalla, Geneva), unofficial PC3 18ct standard mark, and later control marks.
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***fbox