A silver puritan verge watch with silver filigree outer case, David Bouquet, London, circa 1650

gilt full plate verge movement, pierced and engraved screwed on balance cock and foot with floral decoration, chain and fusee, worm and wheel set-up, Egyptian pillars, signed D Bouquet, Londini; single hour hand; silver dial, Roman numerals with 1/2 hour divisions between, inner ring with 1/4 hour divisions; plain silver case, winding aperture to rear; fine later associated silver filigree outer case

The above watch was reputedly worn by the Marquess of Montrose at his execution in Edinburgh on the 21st May, 1650, thence to the noble family of Mar, thence to Lady Pitsligo, thence to Sir William Forbes, 6th Bt. of Pitsligo (1739-1806)

'Will of Sir William Forbes 6th Bart: of Pitsligo [typed transcript n.d. from a document circa 1806] / Trinkets Left to His Eldest Son / Watch worn by the Marquess of Montrose on the day of his execution';
Lady Jane Grey Forbes Trefusis, Happy Hours in a Scottish Home, Edinburgh, 1902, p. 31;
Anon, Fettercairn Notes, [hardbound notebook in manuscript] n.d. but circa 1925,
'The Watch of the Great Marquis of Montrose worn on the day of his execution at Edinburgh the 21^st May 1650. It was given to me by the late Mr Forbes of Pitsligo. I think he told me that it had been purchased by some of the family of Mar from the execution, and that my great, great grandmother the Countess of Mar had given to her daughter Lady Pitsligo from whom it came to Mr Forbes her grandson'.

movement not working at the time of cataloguing. movement plate with scratches, worm and wheel set-up missing, chain to fusee later. Dial with scuffs and scratches, hand in good condition. Case with scuffs, scratches and tarnishing thoroughout. Bow, winding aperture slider and terminal missing. outer case with damage to rear. Has become detatched from the bezel and approximately a fifth of the bezel has been lost.
"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."