Beautiful automaton watch from General Comte de Montholon, c - Lot 204

Beautiful automaton watch from General Comte de Montholon, commemorating Emperor Napoleon I. Silver case. Dial with Roman numerals, on a silver background decorated with a lattice motif, with silver and vermeil motifs of Amerindians striking bells at the moment of ringing, and a languid lion. Blued hands. Case back engraved with an imperial eagle holding a branch in its beak. Rooster movement, with two-hammer repeater on gong by push-button on the bezel, and hour and quarter striking on demand. Gilded cover plate engraved with "MEUGNIER HORLOGER DE L'EMPEREUR & ROI" and "NAPOLEON AU GENERAL COMTE DE MONTHOLON Ste HELENE LE 14 AOUT 1816". Watchmaking guarantee hallmark with crayfish 23 (from 1821) and crab (after 1838). Bears the number "14684". Diameter: 53 mm. Weight : 103 g. Without key. Mechanics to be overhauled, automaton ringing functional. A.B.E. Provenance: -Acquired in 2010 from the family who won it at the auction of the estate of a descendant of Count Charles Tristan de Montholon (1783-1853). -From private collection. Biography : French general (Paris 1783-Paris 1853). Appointed General and Chamberlain of the Palace (June 1815) by Napoleon, he accompanied the Emperor to St. Helena. He published Mémoires (1822-1825) and Récits de la captivité de Napoléon (1847). Note: Mugnier was the Emperor's watchmaker. He is quoted in Maze-Sencier's reference work on the Emperor's suppliers, p.263.