Lot 310

Frédéric Boucheron

An unusual Parisian historism ensemble comprising a lady’s lapel watch with a splendid matching chatelaine in its original presentation box, monogrammed 'M.V.' and signed Fic Boucheron Joaillier Palais-Royal

The back cover of this fine pocket watch is made of silver and pink gold. The openwork design is ornamented with an applied stylised bouquet of strapwork flowers. Similarly decorated is the corresponding five-piece chatelaine, the links of which consist of individual stylised central petals connected by a narrow link chain - a rare piece of supreme goldsmith's work.

Boucheron is one of France's leading Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewellers, with its headquarters in Paris' Place Vendome and branches worldwide. The company was founded in 1858 in the Palais-Royal by Frédéric Boucheron (1830-1902).
When Frédéric Boucheron opened his jewellery shop at the Place Vendôme in 1858 he was the first jeweller in the quarter; he soon gained fame for his expert knowledge of precious stones and his exquisite creations. The Maison Boucheron catered for a wealthy and properous clientele and its successes soon allowed the company to branch out to Japan, the Middle and Far East and to Moscow and London. Maison Boucheron exhibited in many international expositions such as the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition, the 1889 and 1900 World Exhibitions in Paris, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the 1925 International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris. The management of the company - which still trades at the Place Vendôme address - was in the hands of the Boucheron family until 2000, when it was acquired by the current owner, the Artémis Group.