A French Palais Royale ormolu jewel stand incorporating a mu...

Hammer

£2,600

A French Palais Royale ormolu jewel stand incorporating a music box, early 19th century, in the form of a cherub, seated on a stool, playing a harp, the instrument finely chased and engraved, its top rail issuing from a swan, strung with wire and mounted with hooks (mostly damaged or missing), ending in an acorn finial over a tapering column, the uprights inset with mother of pearl panels, upon a rectangular box base with three engraved mother of pearl panels to the top and cast concave sides, decorated with foliate and floral scrolling borders, a single red satin lined drawer to one end, behind which resides the cylinder musical movement, playing two airs on a steel comb, and all raised on four feet, 18 by 12 by 27.5cm high.
Notes: The musical movement is activated by moving the pedals on the harp, and wound by a key, present, through the green baize covered base.
See similar examples sold by Bonhams, San Francisco, European and American Furniture & Decorative Arts Sale, Lot 3217, 30th October 2005, and by Antiquorum, Geneva, Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces, Lot 383, 10th November 2013.

More Information

In fair condition, but there is damage - several strings on the harp and the feet most notably, but also general wear and tear, scratches and dents, can be seen. The musical movement does play but is delicate. Suggest good restoration required.