Bessière & Schneider

• realistically-styled harp, the body fitted with music and a lever for activating the tune • front panel decorated with polychrome enamel trophy of music, the trapezoidal watch fitted below into a hinged compartment, verge escapement, balance bridge pierced and engraved with scrolls • white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, gold-foliate-etched reserves, split pearl-set bezel, the sides applied with gold musical trophy within split pearl-set borders, framed by translucent blue enamel over engine-turned ground, diamond-set tuning pins, the neck, head, knee and soundboard embellished with further enamel geometric motif in tones of blue, black and white enamel • with attached associated chain and key • the interior of behind the watch stamped with maker's mark BS separated by a spear

A fine example in generally good condition, apart from some minor condition issues, Dial with minor scoffing and small chips around winding hole Case enamel with minor issues and include some surface abrasions and very slight enamel loss to top border, and slight restoration to section of bottom border and one of the black enameled flower on soundboard Movement and music will require an overhaul
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The maker's mark BS is that of Bessière & Schneider which was registered as working in Geneva 1805-1808. This maker is recorded in Williams, H. Enamels of the World 1700-2000 The Khalili Collections, 2009. For a box by this maker, see Op.Cit, Chapter 9, Swiss Snuff boxes 1785-1835, essay by Julia Clarke, p.311 Cat. no.216.

Bessière & Schneider remained in partnership for a short time. However, during this time they are credited with a small group of extremely high-quality enamel work. They specialized in boxes painted as flowers, animals or baskets of fruit. For a their mark see Op.Cit p.429

For a similar Harps see Patrizzi, O. and Sturm F.,Montre de Fantasie, 1979, figs. 3 -4 and illustrated on the back cover of the dust jacket.  For Images of the music work see Op. Cit. p.120 pl. IV. Another harp is also illustrated in  Camerer Cuss, T.,The Sandberg Watch Collection,2001, pp.442-443.