Dent

• gilt full plate movement, spring detent escapement, bi-metallic balance, blued steel helical spring, diamond endstone, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, signed and numbered E.J. Dent watchmaker to the Queen, London, No. 12853 • white enamel 24-hour dial, Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, blued steel hands, signed and numbered E.I. Dent, London, 12853 • plain silver open-faced case, hallmarked London 1847 and with maker's mark AT for Alfred Thickbroom

Hans Staeger, 100 Years of Precision Timekeepers from John Arnold to Arnold and Frodsham, 1763-1862, 1992 pp. 579-580

Movement running at the time of cataloguing. The dial and hands in very good condition. The case with scuffs and scratches throughout. Scuffs to band and case back. Hallmarks clear, slight rubbing to the makers mark in the inside case back. The box with damage to the sides. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Accompanied by a mahogany fitted case with ivory tablet signed and numbered Dent, 12853 According to Hans Stager in his '100 years of precision timekeepers' the present lot was previously in the collection of Admiral Sir Charles Shadwell, and is distinguished by its handsome white enamel 24-hour dial. This feature, in which the hour hand completes one full rotation per day, was common in scientific and nautical instruments providing the user with a clear representation of a single day and unambiguous indication of AM and PM time. It is interesting to note that in many cases 24-hour dialled pocket chronometers are siderealy rated. Sidereal time is a useful tool in navigating and, unlike Solar time, is based on the Earth's rotation relative to other fixed celestial objects and not the sun.  

While having captained several Royal Navy ships and served in the Second Anglo-Burmese War and the second Opium War it is noted that Shadwell had more ‘the temperament of a scholar than of a warrior’. A fellow of both the Royal Astronomical and Royal Geographical Societies, in his retirement devoted considerable time to the study of nautical astronomy and navigating at sea.