Robert Roskell, Liverpool

• Movement: gilded full plate, Litherland's rack lever escapement with 15 teeth to the escape wheel, balance cock decoratively engraved with flowers and foliage and marked 'patent', plain three-arm balance, diamond endstone, Bosley form regulation, signed and numbered Robt. Roskell, Liverpool, no. 29076, plain gilt-metal dust cap
• Dial: gold, raised polished Roman numerals against a stippled ground, engine-turned centre, two-colour gold subsidiary seconds with engine-turned centre and matte chapter ring, pearled outer minute ring bordered with flowers and leaves in green, white and pink gold
• Case: substantial gold case with engine-turned covers, the back centred with a rosette, the band, pendant and bow heavily chased with shells, flowers and leaves, case hallmarked Chester 1820 and with maker's mark T.H over J.H incuse for Thomas and John Helsby, Liverpool

Sotheby's London, 26th February 1998, lot 39

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 365, pl. 236

Movement running at time of cataloguing but may benefit from a service. Dial with some light scuffs, but decorative scheme is generally in good condition. The case retains very good definition to engine-turned covers and cast band.
"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."

By the early 1820s, gold dials were becoming increasingly fashionable and the dial on the present watch is an especially fine example, the multi-finished yellow gold surface with combinations of engine-turning and stippling enhanced with applied green, white and pink gold decoration. The case is substantial with a highly decorative, deeply cast, band, pendant and bow. Robert Roskell was active from 1798 and worked in both London and Liverpool. He is especially well-known for the quality of his rack lever watches and later for watches with Massey's lever escapements.