Beschreibung:

Y An unusual Austrian enamelled figural timepiece modelled as a violin player Unsigned, mid to late 19th century The short duration single fusee watch-type backwound movement with four milled cylindrical pillars pinned at the rear, verge escapement regulated by sprung three-arm balance set beneath balance bridge centred with pierced and engraved silver Austro-Hungarian twin headed eagle, and silvered regulation disc to the border-engraved backplate, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with gilt pierced hour hand set within hinged bright-cut bezel mounted on a square gilt plate applied to the front of the ebonised rectangular plinth case, surmounted by a polychrome enamelled figure of a gentleman playing a violin wearing broad brimmed red hat, blue jacket, red breaches and with mother-of-pearl waistcoat over circular platform and projecting plinth top mouldings, the sides and rear inset with enamel panels painted with dancing figures within ornate gilt borders, on stepped ogee moulded skirt base, (minute hand, glass and bow lacking), 19cm (7.5ins) high. Provenance: By repute previously the property of the Princely family of Thurn and Taxis, purchased by the vendor at auction in 2004.