AN 18 CARAT GOLD HALF-QUARTER REPEATER POCKET WATCH JAMES MURRAY ROYAL EXCHANGE LONDON CIRCA 1864

half-repeater keyless fusee, white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds dial, engraved circular-shaped case with double front lid inscribed Cheris L'Espoir on blue enamel ribbon, highlighted to the centre with a lion motif enhanced with rose-cut diamonds and cabochon rubies, reverse set to the centre with the initial TC highlighted with rose-cut diamonds, signed case, dial and movement



diameter 58mm

During the gold rush of the late 1860's, Tom  Cherry became a founding owner of the Morning Star Mine at Wood's Point.

Business proved to be successful and Cherry became very wealthy.  As a result, he was able to place a special order for a pocket watch and have the initials TC inscribed on the case.

His good fortune did not last and in order to purchase the necessities of life Cherry had to hand over the watch to Denis O'Brien, a fellow prospector, as security for a loan.  Cherry was never able to redeem the watch and died a pauper.

Denis O'Brien emigrated from County Tipperary, Ireland in 1861 and was immediately caught up in the gold fever raging across the State of Victoria.

In 1866, O'Brien decided to leave the gold fields and settle down.  Upon hearing that land had become available on the river flats of Cowwarr, he made his purchase and called the new property 'Pine Grove', expanding his landholdings and establishing stables for his passion, race horses.  In 1886, O'Brien purchased a young colt, Carbine, which he kept for two years before selling the horse.  Carbine then went on to win the Melbourne Cup in 1890.

Denis O'Brien died in 1921 at the age of 84.

Thence by descent to present owner.

Overall condition of case excellent. Watch movement working. Repeat sluggish and will need servicing. Returning catch to front lid broken. Dial mint condition. Glass missing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."