18K yellow gold 750‰ pocket watch, round shape, double case, - Lot 279

18K yellow gold 750‰ pocket watch, round shape, double case, white enameled dial, Roman numerals, fleurdelisé hands (one missing), second hand at 6 o'clock, accidents. The guilloche case (worn). Case signed and numbered 21302. Mechanical movement with manual winding in the state (blocked) ringing on demand of the hours and quarters. Missing glass, dents. The case is dedicated "To Camille d'ARTOIS, captain of the giant NADAR and the passengers of the 3rd ascent, Cap: STERCKX DEROTE ing. Liet: Frederix, Georges BARRAL, Brux 27 7bre 1864". D. 50 mm Gross weight 116,90 g The giant NADAR is the name of a balloon built in 1863 40 m high. Undertaken by Félix TOURNACHON, known as NADAR, the construction of this aerostat required considerable means. Already known for his novels, caricatures and photographs, he undertakes this dream which will not only give him the long-awaited recognition but also the glory of being at the origin of Jules VERNE's novel, Five weeks in a balloon.