Lot 51
  • 51

J. Telford, Bellingham

Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • A CHARMING SILVER PAIR CASED VERGE WATCH WITH POLYCHROME ENAMEL PAINTED DIAL1861, NO. 7066
  • SILVER
  • diameter of outer case 57 mm, inner 52 mm
Movement: gilded full plate, lever escapement, three-arm balance with screwed weights, decoratively engraved balance cock, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed J. Telford, Bellingham, No. 7066 • gilt metal dust cap with maker’s mark TF possibly for Thomas John Fielder
 Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, the centre with polychrome enamel painted pastoral scene titled ‘Speed the Plough’, gold spade hands
• Cases: plain silver inner and outer, winding aperture to inner case back, regency pendant, both cases hallmarked Birmingham 1861, inner with maker's mark RS incuse possibly for Richard Swann

Literature

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 404, pl. 257

Condition

Movement running when wound at the time of cataloguing. Dial and hands in good condition, painted scene in very good condition with colour bright and lively and retaining good detail. . Cases with scuffs throughout to be expected, some denting to the band of the inner case and more significant scratching at 6, small patch of light pitting to the back of the outer case.
"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

Dials painted with enamel scenes of ploughing, beneath the title ‘Speed the Plough’, had been popular since at least the 1830s. ‘Speed the Plough’ was a title given to a melody written in 1799 which was favoured during the 19th century. The mantra was a traditional one which had its origins in prayer and song - ‘God spede the plow’ – and was popular for ploughmen and the farming community at least as far back as the medieval period. Watches with this subject matter to their dials appear to have been especially popular amongst watchmakers working in small towns in rural areas.