J. Freeman, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved masked balance cock, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed J. Freeman, London, 5143
• Dial: white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, outer minute ring, the centre with polychrome enamel painted coastal scene with a British man-of-war in full sail, an inn and a smoking figure on a beer barrel, gold serpentine hands
• Case: plain gilt metal inner case, outer case tortoiseshell covered, both cases with maker’s mark J.P in rectangular cameo (probably John Palmer)

Bonhams, 19^th September 2006, lot 11

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 351, pl. 225

Movement running at time of cataloguing and hand setting operational. Dial with a couple of very small hairlines to the edge of the dial between 5 and 6 o'clock otherwise in attractive condition. The gilding to inner case with wear to the pendant. Tortoiseshell to case back with a small split to the edge around the 4 o'clock position. There are thick watch papers to the inside of the case back and this is currently preventing the outer case from closing securely, when the papers are removed it closes firmly.
"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."

The naively painted dial shows a patriotic scene with a smoking man watching as a British war ship sails out to sea. The inn in the background has a hanging sign suggesting the Anchor Inn. Written to the back of the dial is “Ships” and what may be the initials FH. Although there are a few  makers listed from the period with the name J. Freeman, this watch may be by Joseph Freeman who began his apprenticeship in 1778.

Baillie, in Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, lists a Joseph Freeman working in London who was apprenticed in 1778.