- 52
Robert Roskell, Liverpool
Estimate
1,500 - 3,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- AN UNUSUAL GOLD HALF-HUNTING CASED RACK LEVER WATCH1817, NO. 4825
- Gold
- diameter 52 mm
• Movement: gilded full plate, rack lever escapement, decoratively engraved balance cock with a basket of fruit at the neck and marked Patent, plain flat three-arm balance, diamond endstone, cylindrical pillars, plain gilt-metal dust cap, movement signed and numbered Rt. Roskell, Liverpool, 4825
• Dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals outer minute ring, inner dial similarly calibrated for viewing through the glazed cover, winding aperture between 2 and 3 o'clock, gold spade hands
• Case: plain gold case, the cover with glazed central aperture, Regency pendant and bow, hallmarked Chester 1817, and with maker's mark TH incuse for Thomas Helsby, Liverpool
• Dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals outer minute ring, inner dial similarly calibrated for viewing through the glazed cover, winding aperture between 2 and 3 o'clock, gold spade hands
• Case: plain gold case, the cover with glazed central aperture, Regency pendant and bow, hallmarked Chester 1817, and with maker's mark TH incuse for Thomas Helsby, Liverpool
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 358, pl. 229
Condition
Movement will just run for a few seconds, is clean but will require a service. The dial with hairlines to the edge between 9 and 10 o'clock, some minor scratching around winding aperture. Case with light scuffs, the hallmarks to inside back are rather rubbed but still legible.
"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."
"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 unusual half-hunting cased watch has a white enamel dial with two zones. The central zone allows the time to be read through the cover’s glazed aperture and the hour hand has an additional baluster towards its base so that the time may be easily read when the cover is closed. Robert Roskell was active from 1798 and worked in both London and Liverpool. He is especially well-known for the quality of his rack lever watches and later for watches with Massey’s lever escapements.