Lot 63
  • 63

Charles Cummins, London

Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • Charles Cummins, London
  • A FINE GOLD OPEN-FACED POCKET CHRONOMETER1844, NO. 1210
  • gold
  • diameter 49mm
Movement: gilded full plate, Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, train with ruby jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, ruby endstone, spiral spring with double overcoil, fusee and chain with maintaining power, signed and numbered Charles Cummins, London, no. 1210
Dial: gold, satin finished chapter ring, Roman numerals, outer pearled minute ring, the centre decoratively engraved with flowers and leaves, engine-turned subsidiary seconds, blued steel fleur-de-lys hands
Case: gold, the back engraved with scrolling foliage and flowers, centred with a plain reserve, plain gold cuvette with winding aperture, case back and cuvette hallmarked London 1844 and with maker's mark GH within cameo for Gustavus Huguenin

Literature

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 398, pl. 251

Condition

Movement will run for short periods at time of cataloguing. Dial with light scuffs throughout. Case with some scratching to bezel between 9 and 10 o'clock, engraved decoration to back remains clear and well defined.
"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

Charles Cummins was apprenticed to his father, Thomas (see lot 62), in 1832. Like his father, Charles appears to have specialized in very high grade watches. Few watches by this maker are known, however, a very similar watch by Charles Cummins is lot 64 in this auction and Cecil Clutton describes and illustrates a third in his book "Collector's Collection", pp. 47-48, published by the Antiquarian Horological Society in 1974.