• gilt movement, automaton wound and activated by a steel slide in the case band which winds the mainspring and unwinds upon release • two-motion vari-color gold automaton scene of a putto pumping a fountain, a disk rotating beneath a glass rod to simulate the water, with hound drinking and basket of flowers, the background enameled with a watermill and mountain scene • bezel set with pearls, the back with translucent blue enamel over swirled engine-turning • with short vari-color gold chain hung with eight charms of military theme

Prominent American Family until present

Movement functioning properly and automaton working correctly. Movement in good condition with loss of finish and oxidation overall. Figures with some oxidation. Enamel scene in excellent condition with no visible damage. Case in good condition,although the case back with some loss to the enamel to the edges at 12, 4, 5 and 8 o'clock. Lovely addition of a period gold chain and eight charms.
"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."

The present lot is an extremely rare example of a miniature automaton, with a diameter of 27 mm.  The movement remains compact and within two plates, and the winding system fits within the top plate with a blued steel, ratcheted pawl engaging a pinwheel, delivering power to the mainspring in a 180 degree arc.