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Lot Essay
The sewing kit is attributed to the watch company J.F. Bautte & Cie. and dates from circa 1840. The type of champlevé enamel decoration found in the accessories inside the box can be described as "mauresque" or "Moor-style.
The accessories in the case are all useful for sewing, but also include a pencil with mine and a vinaigrette. A vinaigrette is a small decorative box or bottle, which sometimes could even be carried on a châtelaine. It was filled with smelling salts or aromatic vinegar.
The firm J.F. Bautte & Cie. in Geneva was founded by the celebrated Swiss watchmaker Jean-François Bautte (1772-1837). He established the most complete factory at the time and employed around 300 workers for the production of movements, watch cases, dials, jewellery and automatons. The firm counted many European Royal Families among their clientèle and supplied watches also to Turkey, India and China. The firm was active until 1855.
The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva is in possession of a pendant watch, a wristwatch and a snuff box decorated in this type of style.
The accessories in the case are all useful for sewing, but also include a pencil with mine and a vinaigrette. A vinaigrette is a small decorative box or bottle, which sometimes could even be carried on a châtelaine. It was filled with smelling salts or aromatic vinegar.
The firm J.F. Bautte & Cie. in Geneva was founded by the celebrated Swiss watchmaker Jean-François Bautte (1772-1837). He established the most complete factory at the time and employed around 300 workers for the production of movements, watch cases, dials, jewellery and automatons. The firm counted many European Royal Families among their clientèle and supplied watches also to Turkey, India and China. The firm was active until 1855.
The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva is in possession of a pendant watch, a wristwatch and a snuff box decorated in this type of style.