Sleightholm & Co., London

• Movement: gilded full plate, pivoted detent escapement, plain flat three-arm balance, decoratively engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars • gilt-metal dust cap with decorative engraving around the cock aperture • movement signed Sleightholm & Co., London, No. 1134
• Dial: white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, subsidiary seconds, skeletonised arrow hands
• Case: plain gilt metal cases with d-shaped bow and flat top, inner case with maker’s mark IR (possibly James Richards)

Antiquorum, The Art of British Horology, 21^st October 1995 lot 107

Terrence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch, 1585-1970, 2009, p. 308, pl. 193

Movement running at time of cataloguing. Dial with hairline crack to subsidiary seconds dial and from seconds dial to just above 9 o'clock, very small minor chip to very edge of dial by 9 o'clock. Inner case with slight rubbing, outer case with rubbing to gilding.
"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."

English watchmakers almost invariably used the spring detent escapement, and in fact examples of the pivoted detent in an English watch are rare from any period. John Arnold, for example, employed the pivoted detent up to 1782 and the spring detent thereafter. The movement does suggest Prescot or Liverpudlian origins, especially in the design of the cock. Interestingly, perhaps as a cost consideration, the expensive escapement has been rather unusually combined with a plain, un-compensated steel balance and flat spring. The pivot is placed at the extremity of the detent where the foot would have been if a spring detent had been employed.

Although a late 18th century maker, J. Sleightholm, is recorded by Brian Loomes in Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World (2nd Edition), there does not appear to be a record for Sleightholm & Company.