Lot 22
  • 22

Fromanteel & Clarke

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description

  • A FINE SILVER PAIR CASED VERGE WATCHCIRCA 1710
  • silver
  • diameter of outer case 57 mm, inner case 48 mm
• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock with birds, foliage and flowers, flat three-arm balance with spring, fusee and chain, Egyptian pillars, signed Fromanteel & Clarke
Dial: silver champlevé, Roman numerals with half-hour divisions between and to the ring beneath, outer Arabic minute ring, aperture for the date at 6 o'clock, outer gilded ring, tulip and poker hands, the centre pierced, chased and engraved with flowers and foliage, a grotesque head and a bird at 12 o'clock, a feeding squirrel at 3 o'clock, signed Fromanteel & Clarke
Cases: plain polished silver inner case with winding aperture, plain polished silver outer case with squared hinge and deep chamfer to the bezel • case maker's mark ID with coronet above (probably James or John Delander) 

Literature

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 153, pl. 80

Condition

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing and the date also advancing, in clean condition with some scratches to the backplate. Dial in good refreshed condition with some light scuffs. Inner case with light scuffs and slight depression to the band. Outer case with light scuffs and some minor indentations. Covers close 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."

Catalogue Note

This handsome watch has a highly unusual pierced, chased and engraved centre to the silver champlevé dial. Beneath 12 o’clock, the grotesque head of a beast in profile appears to be on the point of swallowing a bird. Amongst the scrolling foliage, a charming squirrel can be seen feeding at 3 o’clock, whilst two banners above and below carry the names of the makers. 

Ahasuerus Fromanteel the Younger and Christopher Clarke began a partnership circa 1680 to form the firm of Fromanteel & Clarke.  Fromanteel came from a family of distinguished watch and clockmakers, and worked in both London and Amsterdam.  He earned his Freedom from the Clockmakers’ Company in 1672.  Clarke, a British ex-patriate who resided in Amsterdam, married Fromanteel's daughter in 1694. Clocks and watches signed ‘Fromanteel & Clarke’ were often manufactured in Amsterdam, and sold both there and in London.  Their partnership ended in 1703 when Fromanteel  died, Clarke continued to work, joining a partnership with Fromanteel's younger brother, Abraham.