James Grantham, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, plain flat balance, fusee and chain, square baluster pillars • movement signed and numbered Ja. Grantham, London, 3835
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer arcaded Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Cases: plain gold inner case with London hallmarks for 1761, case maker's mark IW incuse possibly for either John Watkins or John Wright • outer case with high relief repoussé scene depicting the Continence of Scipio within an asymmetrical cartouche, the bezels interspersed with flowers, foliage and scroll work against a stippled ground, case maker's mark IW incuse possibly for either John Watkins or John Wright

Movement with wind but is not running at the time of cataloguing. dial and hands in good condition, dial with minor chipping around the catch at 6, but closing securely. Outer case with scuffs and scratches throughout, as to be expected. Outer case repousse scene and decoration bright and defined, signs of some repair to figures in scene. Joint tight and case securing firmly.
"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."

The repoussé scene is rendered in especially high relief and appears to be made from a single sheet of gold; repoussé watches with very high relief often have additional plates added since the depth of the relief can result in the metal becoming too thin and fragile. Given the pronounced, raised surface of the case back, the condition and definition of the scene on the present watch is especially remarkable. The scene depicts the Continence of Scipio and shows Scipio returning his prize of war, a beautiful maiden, unharmed to her fiancé. Another version of this scene by Henry Manly, (Ellicott 4313) depicts the maiden standing (see lot 33 in this sale). Interestingly another repoussé watch with very high relief, also by J. Grantham and hallmarked for the same year as the present watch, 1761, is in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge and is illustrated in Baillie, G. H., Watches, their History, Decoration and Mechanism, 1929, p. 116, pl. XXV.

.