- 20
G. Burgis, London
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- G. Burgis, London
- A VERY RARE GOLD MINIATURE PAIR CASED VERGE WATCH1730, NO. 2079
- Yellow gold
- width of outer case 28.5 mm, diameter of inner case 24 mm
• Movement: gilded full-plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved masked balance cock, similarly pierced and decorated foot, plain flat balance, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed and numbered G. Burgis, London, 2079
• Dial: gold champlevé, Roman numerals with half hour divisions between, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Cases: plain gold inner, the back with winding aperture, maker's mark WI incuse for William Jaques junior • plain gold outer, both cases hallmarked London 1730
• Dial: gold champlevé, Roman numerals with half hour divisions between, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Cases: plain gold inner, the back with winding aperture, maker's mark WI incuse for William Jaques junior • plain gold outer, both cases hallmarked London 1730
Provenance
Antiquorum Geneva, The Art of British Horology, 21st October 1995, lot 43
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 186, pl. 99
Condition
Movement just running at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping and that a service maybe required at the buyer's discretion. Cases in good condition, outer with scuffs and scratches consistent with age, inner similar but with slight denting to the band around 5 - 7. Dial in fantastic condition, small amount of wax loss to 12. Overall very good condition.
"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
This is an almost perfect miniaturisation of the 'standard' sized watches of this period. Signed by G. Burgis, the watch is likely the work of George Burgis whom F. J. Britten records in his book, Old Clocks and Watches and their Makers. George Burgis’s will, which was proved on 15th July 1736, recorded his address as St. Martin in the Fields [see: Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 30, No. 5, March 2008, p. 685].