- 51
RALPH GOUT, LONDON
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- A FINE AND RARE GILT-METAL PEDOMETER WATCH WITH SADDLE CASENO. 38 & 197, CIRCA 1800
- Silver and guilded metal
- length of saddle case, 22.5 cm; diameter of watch 56 mm
• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance cock decorated with military trophies, diamond endstone, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, signed By the King’s Letters Patent, Ralph Gout, London, 197, giltmetal
dust cap signed and numbered 197
• Dial: white enamel, subsidiary dial for hours and minutes with Roman numerals, two subsidiary dials recording 10 and 100 paces, outer ring for recording to 10 thousand paces with kinked hand to clear hand-setting square of time subsidiary
dial
• Cases: gilt metal case, pendant with activation for the pedometer mechanism through its centre, gilt-metal saddle case with circular framed section to house the watch springloaded on vertical runner, saddle case’s borders and bezels decorated with stylised floral, geometric motifs and a tent framing a blank cartouche in front of the pendant, inner case with maker’s mark IN incuse (James Nevill) and numbered 197, outer saddle case with maker’s mark TG and numbered 38 & 197
dust cap signed and numbered 197
• Dial: white enamel, subsidiary dial for hours and minutes with Roman numerals, two subsidiary dials recording 10 and 100 paces, outer ring for recording to 10 thousand paces with kinked hand to clear hand-setting square of time subsidiary
dial
• Cases: gilt metal case, pendant with activation for the pedometer mechanism through its centre, gilt-metal saddle case with circular framed section to house the watch springloaded on vertical runner, saddle case’s borders and bezels decorated with stylised floral, geometric motifs and a tent framing a blank cartouche in front of the pendant, inner case with maker’s mark IN incuse (James Nevill) and numbered 197, outer saddle case with maker’s mark TG and numbered 38 & 197
Provenance
Sotheby's Geneva, The Collection of a Gentleman, 17th May 2000, lot 81
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 323, pl. 203
Condition
Movement running at time of cataloguing, the hand set also operational. The pedometer action also appears to be operational. Dial with a couple of scratches, there is a noticeable scratch between the lower right subsidiary which runs just above 'London' but this does appear to be a scratch rather than a crack. Catch to cover of inner case slightly loose and currently doesn't close securely, glass loose. Gilding to inner case and saddle case in attractive overall condition. The catch to the saddle's case that holds the watch closes securely.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This pedometer watch was made according to patent 2351 which Ralph Gout took out in November 1799, shortly before the present example was made. His short series of pieces
had small differences. The saddle case has strap fittings and the watch is set in a cage mounted on a spring-loaded vertical runner, a cord is attached to the saddle case at one end and a lever which passes through the watch pendant to the pedometer mechanism at the other.
For similar pedometer watches by Ralph Gout with matching saddle cases, see Cecil Clutton and George Daniels, Watches, 1965, pl. 344 and 3rd Edition (1979) pl. 183. T.P. & T.A Camerer Cuss, The Camerer Cuss Book of Antique Watches, pp. 160-161, pl. 94.
had small differences. The saddle case has strap fittings and the watch is set in a cage mounted on a spring-loaded vertical runner, a cord is attached to the saddle case at one end and a lever which passes through the watch pendant to the pedometer mechanism at the other.
For similar pedometer watches by Ralph Gout with matching saddle cases, see Cecil Clutton and George Daniels, Watches, 1965, pl. 344 and 3rd Edition (1979) pl. 183. T.P. & T.A Camerer Cuss, The Camerer Cuss Book of Antique Watches, pp. 160-161, pl. 94.