Mudge, Thomas

FIRST EDITION, 4to (283 x 225mm.), [12], clii, 176pp., engraved portrait, 9 engraved plates, half calf over old marbled boards, spine gilt, red label

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
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."

A WIDE-MARGINED COPY. Mudge was watchmaker to the king, and spent much of his career attempting to improve upon the advances made by John Harrison on his chronometer. He crossed swords with the astronomer royal, Neville Maskelyne, who had claimed that Mudge’s time-pieces were not accurate enough. Mudge claimed that the testing process had been unfair (a common claim against Maskelyne). Eventually, however, he received a £2,500 prize from the Board of Longitude.