A pearl, enamel and gold vinaigrette, Moulinié, Bautte & Co, Geneva, circa 1804-1815

the lid beautifully painted with a King Charles spaniel, within a split-pearl border, the sides and base with translucent blue enamel panels on patterned engine-turning, within black and white formal borders, the interior with hinged pierced grille engraved with scrolling foliage, maker's mark and 18K incuse, French control mark, numbered 42, Dutch import mark (1814-1831), later Dutch import mark post-1955

some minor scratches to enamel lid, otherwise very good condition. beautiful charming object.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
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."

Watchcase makers Jacques-Dauphin Moulinié (1761-1838) and Jean-François Bautte (1772-1837) registered a company jointly in 1796, stating that it had been in existence since 1 August 1793 with a nine-year contract. On 1 October 1804, a new company, Moulinié, Bautte & Co., was created for four years with the addition of Jean-Gabriel Moynier (1772-1840), this time not as watchcase makers but 'pour la commerce d'horlogerie et bijouterie'. From 1808 to 1821, the firm, known as Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier, grew rapidly in size and importance, employing 60 in-house and 30 outside workers by 1810. A large part of their success came from their sale abroad, mainly in Italy and Paris where Bautte had first registered a mark in 1808.

Geneva merchants also designed specific watchcases and boxes for the lucrative Turkish and Chinese market: while multicoloured boxes decorated with flowers, trophies and watery landscapes were deemed suitable for the Turkish market, automata and pearl-set watches and boxes were made and reserved for China. It is possible that the unregistered mark inside the lid, MB a key between in horizontal lozenge, was exclusively used on pieces intended for export to China.