A fine and rare Austrian neoclassical ormolu-mounted ebony and mother-of-pearl writing and sewing set circa 1820, the watercolor attributed to Balthazar Wigand

the rectangular top centered by an oval sewing box, the lid with a watercolor inscribed Dornbach nach Wien within an acorn-carved mother-of-pearl border opening to two étuis covered in velvet with mother-of-pearl sewing implements, some with ormolu mounts; further fitted with oval bowls at the front, a covered inkwell and a sand holder; the ebony frieze fitted with a drawer, raised on eagle head supports ending in hoof feet, the whole raised on ball feet.

Anonymous sale, Sotheby's, Vienna, February 23, 1989, lot 26

Anonymous sale, Sotheby's, New York, May 22, 1997, lot 138

A work box undoubtedly made by the same firm was given as a wedding present to the Archduchess Marie-Clementine of Austria in 1816; it was sold from the collection of a Nobleman, Christie's, London, July 3, 1986, lot 28.  Like the offered lot, it was decorated with a watercolor depicting Vienna in the manner of Balthazar Wigand and is fitted with mother-of-pearl decorated elements matching those on the present lot.  The mother-of-pearl elements each bear a shield inscribed Erzh MC; many of the implements on the present lot have an oval enamelled with a flowerhead, suggesting that monograms were specially commissioned when ordering these sets.