Lot 7
  • 7

John Wills, London

Estimate
9,500 - 10,500 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • A FINE SILVER AND TORTOISESHELL PAIR CASED VERGE WATCHCIRCA 1685
  • Silver, tortoiseshell
  • diameter of outer case 51 mm, inner case 46 mm
Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance cock decorated with a bird and symmetrical foliage, balance with spring, silver regulator plate, fusee and chain, tulip pillars • signed John Wills, London
Dial: silver champlevé, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, inner half hour divisions, blued steel tulip and poker hands, cartouches to the centre signed Wills, London
Case: plain polished silver inner case with winding aperture, split bezel for glass retention, indistinct maker's mark • tortoiseshell outer case with applied pierced and engraved silver decoration depicting an allegorical figure amongst scrolling foliage inhabited by birds, a winged putto below, silver pin work to the bezels

Literature

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch, 1585-1970, 2009, p. 120, pl. 57
T.P. Camerer Cuss, The Country Life Book of Watches, 1967, p. 31. pl. 27 & col. pl. II

Condition

The movement clean and is running at the time of cataloguing. The dial in good refreshed condition with some scuffs. Multiple small indentations around the band to the inner case. Outer case with cracks and losses to the tortoiseshell, some silver pins missing.
"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

Generally speaking, dials were beginning to be signed during the period 1685-1690 and the dial on the present watch has especially well executed signature cartouches to its centre. The movement has an early application of the balance spring and a large silver regulator plate. The tortoiseshell outer case depicts a young woman to the centre holding a small dog, which may suggest faithfulness and thus fidelity, the eagles to either side are perhaps guarding her.