Lot 55
  • 55

Lady's diamond and sapphire wristwatch, 1930s

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 GBP
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Description

  • diamond, sapphire, gold
The hexagonal dial applied with Arabic numerals, inset to a series of geometric open work links, millegrain-set with circular- and single-cut diamonds and calibré-cut sapphires, to a later mesh work strap, inner circumference approximately 205mm, numbered, British hallmarks for Birmingham.

Condition

PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT GUARANTEE WATCH MOVEMENTS Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its time keeping and therefore a service should be carried out in the near future at the buyer's expense. We do not guarantee watch movements. Manual movement not running at time of cataloguing. Later strap with British hallmarks for 9 carat gold, Birmingham, 1954. Diamonds bright and lively. Sapphires medium to dark blue. Slight blemishes to face. Slight scratches to metal consistent with age and wear. In good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Rose Boote, later 4th Marchioness of Headfort (1878-1958) was a Gaiety Girl  who sang the part of Maisie 'The Messenger Boy' in 1900 under her professional name of Miss Rosie Boote.  It is said that she so charmed the young Marquess of Headfort, Geoffrey Thomas Taylour (1878–1943) that he married her on 11th April 1901.  
'Gaiety Girls' was the name given to the chorus line girls who sang in musical comedy spectacles, at the Gaiety Theatre on the Strand, London.  Rosie was a leading actress and protégée of George Edwards, who from the 1890s managed and produced the shows.  The 'Gaiety Girls' appeared on stage in bathing attire and in the latest fashions. They were respectable, elegant young ladies, unlike the corseted actresses from London's earlier musical burlesques. 
The marriage was supposed to have surprised and intrigued Edwardian society, and took place overcoming opposition from the family and even Queen Victoria herself was even said to have commented on the match.  The Marquess was from one of the most prominent Protestant families in Ireland and she a Catholic. Rosie Boote married one of the most eligible young men of her day.  Upon her marriage, she left the theatre and resided with her husband at Headfort house in Ireland and in London, they had a wide circle of friends and entertained such notable guests artists, including Sir William Orpen, playwrites and intellectuals.