- 25
Issac Alexander, Birmingham
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A FINE GOLD PAIR CASED REPOUSSE VERGE WATCH1757, NO. 3398
- Gold
- width 50 mm
• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and floral engraved balance cock, flat balance, fusee and chain, square baluster pillars, signed Isa. Alexander,
Birmingham, 3398
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Case: plain inner with winding aperture to back, hallmarked 1757 and with maker’s mark IW (possibly John Watkins or John Wright), gold repoussé outer case with asymmetric central cartouche depicting the Death of Dido, surrounded by flowers and shell motifs, the bezel similarly decorated
Birmingham, 3398
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Case: plain inner with winding aperture to back, hallmarked 1757 and with maker’s mark IW (possibly John Watkins or John Wright), gold repoussé outer case with asymmetric central cartouche depicting the Death of Dido, surrounded by flowers and shell motifs, the bezel similarly decorated
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 214, pl. 124
Condition
Movement running at time of cataloguing. Dial with some hairline cracks and a small repair around the catch. The inner case with some minor depressions to the band. Outer repoussé scene retaining good overall definition and with some rubbing to the exposed areas. Cases 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."
"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
The scene to the case back depicts the Death of Dido and is taken from Virgil’s Aeneid, closely following an engraving by Michel Dorigny (1617-1655) of 1643, made after a painting of about 1640 by his father-in-law, Simon Vouet (1590-1649), now in the museum of Dole, France. Dido, Queen of Carthage, is seen to the centre supported by an elderly servant, whilst a further servant is seen weeping with outstretched arms to the left. The winged figure of Iris, messenger of the goddess Juno sits to the right. Juno sent Iris to cut a lock of hair from Dido in order that Dido’s soul might survive. Although the
repoussé scene is unsigned, it is of particularly high quality and compares favourably with work by known chasers and embossers of the period, such as Henry Manly.
repoussé scene is unsigned, it is of particularly high quality and compares favourably with work by known chasers and embossers of the period, such as Henry Manly.