BAILLION À PARIS | A FINE AND RARE GOLD MOUNTED SINGLE CASED PORCELAIN WATCH AND CHATELAINE ATTRIBUTED TO MEISSENCIRCA 1755

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced balance bridge engraved with scrolling foliage and the head of a dog and bird, silver regulation plate, square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, signed Baillion à Paris• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, gilt filigree hands, aperture for winding• Case: porcelain attributed to Meissen, the back and bezel with polychrome enamel painted flowers, the inside back similarly painted with a moth, a ladybird and a fly, gold chased and engraved mounts• Chatelaine: composed of four similarly decorated porcelain panels with polychrome painted flowers, each mounted within gold cartouches chased with scrolls and bunches of grapes, two pendant chains of similar form terminating in associated but contemporary English porcelain 'toys': to one side the figure of a boy (Cupid disguised) inscribed beneath 'pret a monter'; to the other a pair of porcelain billing doves inscribed beneath 'imitons les', the chatelaine backed with gilt-metal panels and pendant hook

Movement: running at time of cataloguing but would probably benefit from a clean. Dial: with scratches and scuffs, some chipping around opening catch. Case: chipping and repair to bezel beneath 5 o'clock. Main body of the case and the panels to the chatelaine appear to be in good overall condition with some light scratches. The surface paint to the miniature pendant chain figures is worn and rubbed.
"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."

Although the movement is signed Baillion à Paris, the movement may be of German manufacture. The present chatelaine is unusual as the porcelain elements combine a Meissen case and plaquettes, painted with deutsche Blumen with contemporary English porcelain 'toys' in the form of billing doves and a Cupid disguised. These charms were produced at Chelsea, one of a small number of English factories who produced small luxury items such as scent-bottles and bonbonnières.