David Read, Glasgow

• Movement: gilded full plate, cylinder escapement, decoratively pierced balance cock engraved with scrolling foliage, a bust in profile at the neck, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, gilt-metal dust cap, signed and numbered David Read, Glasgow, 1807
• Dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute ring, subsidiary seconds with radial Arabic numerals at the quarters interspersed by stars, elaborate gold moon hands
• Cases: plain pink gold inner, stop slide beneath the bezel between 8 and 9 o'clock, regency pendant • pink gold outer case with presentation inscription indistinctly signed 'Diarie[?] scupsit', both cases hallmarked Chester 1806 and with maker's mark JW incuse for Joseph Wickes

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, pp. 344-345, pl. 219

Movement will just run for very short periods, will need a service. Dial appears to be in good condition. Inner and outer cases with light scuffs. Inscription to outside case back is still clear to read.
"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 case back is beautifully engraved with a signed dedication inscription to the anatomist and surgeon Allan Burns (18^th September 1781- 22^nd June 1813). The watch was presented to Burns on 29^th April 1807 by his first class at Glasgow where he was a lecturer on anatomy. He was clearly an inspirational figure and was only 25 years old at the time of the watch’s presentation. Burns died young just a few years later, but not before the publication of his works: "Observations on Diseases of the Heart" and "Observations on the Surgical Anatomy of the Head and Neck" which were published in 1809 and 1812 respectively – the latter work provides a brief but interesting biography.

Although the movement is signed by David Read of Glasgow, (recorded Hutcheson St., Glasgow, 1805-1818) its style and finishing suggests Read ordered it from the Lancashire trade. Indeed, the cases are hallmarked for Chester where many Liverpudlian case makers marked their wares.