Lépine Watch Set, ca. 1850
Watch
APPRAISER:
The first thing that caught my attention when I saw this is the shaped box. If somebody's watch is in a shaped box, it always shows that there must be more than a watch in there. And when I open it, we are not disappointed because we have a complete watch and fob set in there. You have a watch, you have a chain, you have a key, you have a little fob, and then the fob that's attached to the vest.
GUEST:
Mm-hmm.
APPRAISER:
If we turn the watch around, we see a wonderful enamelwork on the other side. And the box itself says that it's LÈpine. M. LÈpine is not the one that made this set. His company continued after his death in the 19th century, early 19th century. This set is probably mid-19th century. Though it was sold in Paris, it was made in Switzerland. The Swiss at the time were wonderful watchmakers, had perfected their technique in enamelwork. You can see it's a very delicate gold watch with some engine turning, which has translucent enamel set on top of it. You still see the engine turning underneath. It's decorated on top of it with multicolor enamel. The most unusual feature about the set is that it's complete and nice. How did you get it?
GUEST:
Well, I inherited it from my great-grandmother.
APPRAISER:
They really took care of it, because these kind of sets very often are broken apart. It's very rare and unusual to have this complete set. I would say a prudent auction estimate on this kind of set with the box, signature, everything, would be about $3,000 to $5,000.
GUEST:
Is that right?
APPRAISER:
It's very nice. I haven't seen such a nice set in a very, very long time.
GUEST:
That is terrific. I'm just delighted.
APPRAISER:
You should be very careful with it.
GUEST:
Okay, I will.
APPRAISER:
Because, as I said, the condition is everything.
Appraisal Details
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