Thomas Grignion, London

• Movement: full plate gilded, cylinder escapement, steel escape wheel, decoratively pierced and engraved masked balance cock, diamond endstone, fusee and chain, cylindrical
pillars, repeating on a bell to the inside case back • silver dust cap • dust cap signed Thos. Grignion, Covent Garden, London 1686 • movement signed Thos. Grignion, London 1686
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, Arabic outer minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands, dial signed Grignion, London
• Case: gold inner case, with pierced and engraved band of scrolling foliage inhabited by dolphin heads, a grotesque mask at the base, a bird and foliage engraved to the centre of the back with winding aperture above • gold outer case, the back decorated with amphora, palm fronds, flowers and tied ribbons in imperial blue and white basse-taille and champlevé enamel, case maker’s mark HT incuse probably Henry Cleaver Taylor or Henry Teague • matching gold mounted chatelaine decorated en-suite, the pendant chains terminating in snuff bottle, vinaigrette, scent flask and the original crank key

Antiquorum, The Art of British Horology, 21^st October 1995, lot 56

Terrence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch, 1585-1970, 2009, p. 245, pl. 151

Movement not running or repeating at time of cataloguing but appears to be complete. Some depression to band of inner case, decoration remains clear and well defined. Outer case and chatelaine in good overall condition with some scratches.
"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."

Thomas Grignion (1713-1784) was the son of Daniel Grignion (c.1684-1763), who arrived in England from France around 1688. In his book, The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain, Brian Loomes notes that the Grignions were recorded as “finishers to the late Mr Daniel Quare at the Kings Arms and Dial in Russel Street, Covent Garden” (see op. cit. p.267). A watch by Thomas Grignion is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.