John Hammersley, London

Estimate

3,500 - 5,500 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

A RARE GOLD FREE-SPRUNG OPEN-FACED KEYLESS LEVER MONTRE-A-TACT1885, NO. 1/3097
gold, gilt metal, enamel
diameter 48.5 mm

• gilt three-quarter plate movement, lever escapement, free-sprung bi-metallic compensation balance, the à tact mechanism visible to the back-plate and linked to motion work of the hands • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, blued steel hands • gold cuvette with aperture for à tact mechanism and with presentation inscription to W. G. Ainsie, MP for Lancashire in 1885, 18k yellow gold case, the back with engine-turned decoration and mounted with à tact hand, touch pins for the hours to the band, gold pendant and bow, case maker's mark HG for Henry Green, hallmarked for London 1885 • dial and movement signed J Hammersley, Barclay Road, Fulham, London and numbered 1/3097

Provenance

Time Museum, Rockford Illinois

Sotheby's New York, Fine Watches from the Atwood Collection, 11th December 1986, lot 236

Sotheby's Geneva, 17th May 2000, lot 214

Literature

Terrence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch, 1585-1970, pl. 270

Catalogue Note

English watches with an à tact provision are exceptionally rare. As a Member of Parliament, Ainsie would have been able to feel the time in his pocket without taking the watch out and so avoid being seen to be rude to another Member while they were speaking.