231 . ITALIAN MARQUETRY WALNUT SLANT FRONT DESK , 18 th Century , profusely inlaid allover with flowering vinery in contrasting woods : four side panels feature birds , the top and slant front are centered by dramatic scenes of classical combat details ; the front and three inverted break-fronted drawers with heraldic escutcheon ; the fitted interior with drawers and pigeonholes ; contrasting moldings to waist , drawer separators and base , raised on short turned front legs and shaped bracket feet . Height 38 ½ in . Width 36 in . Depth 32 in . 2,500 / 3,500
232 . LOUIS XVI ORMOLU-MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL , PARQUETRY AND EBONIZED WOOD MUSIC BOX , circa 1785 , the mechanical musical instrument was created to support a clock or timepiece ; mounted atop it , music was set in play by means of a trip linkage . The movement plays eight melodies on a 17-key organ that employs stopped pewter pipes ; a tune change and repeat control manually activates the organ at will . A hand-wound double fuse spring drives the movement . The cabinet case is of black oak with parquetry top , tortoiseshell and ebonized veneer sides applied with faux alabaster colonnettes ; front , sides and back feature hinged drop panels that provide access to controls as well as allowing spectators to watch the movement in action . The musical movement with pinned wooden cylinder is of French / Swiss type and though unmarked as to maker is similar to those attributed to J . Robert et Fils of La Chanx de Fonds , Switzerland . Several inscriptions made by repairers include a “ Batley ” in 1804 , and an “ A . Kieser , fevrier ” 1907 , Paris . This clock organ was conserved by Jere Ryder in 2016 . Height 16 in . Width 17 ¾ in . Depth 9 ½ in . 5,000 / 7,000
86 Rafael Osona Auctions