UNSIGNED | A LADY'S GOLD AND LAPIS LAZULI SET OPEN-FACED LAPEL WATCH WITH MATCHING CHATELAINE AND FITTED BOXCIRCA 1890

• Movement: unsigned gilt bar cylinder, plain flat balance• Dial: cream enamel, Arabic numerals, gilt pearled outer minute ring• Case: gold, the back set with a single lapis lazuli centre with an applied monogram 'H' beneath an applied gold coronet, pearl-set bezels, case maker's mark SG with a key between and a star below in diamond-shaped cartouche, and with partial french gold assay mark for 18ct gold, plain polished gold cuvette, case and cuvette numbered 51077 • short chatelaine chased and engraved with geometric foliate scrollwork, surmounted by a similarly decorated brooch-form panel with lapis lazuli heraldic panels set with diamond chip-set fleur-de-lys all beneath a pearl-set coronet • Accompaniments: leather covered box with suede lined fitted interior

Dial: With some minor chipping around the central aperture for hands. Small scratch by 4 o'clock. Case: Decoration to case back case with some indentations to the back which have partially obscured maker's mark, probably due to application of coronet to outside case back. Chatelaine generally appears to be in good overall condition, one pearl to coronet with crack. Hinge and catch to fitted box slightly loose. Movement: Running at time of cataloguing.
"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 fashion for fob, lapel and belt worn watches worn on chatelaines was a style that continued in its various forms for hundreds of years. Whilst they were used by both men and women throughout the centuries, the preference for ladies was for particularly decorative examples set with diamonds, semi precious stones or enamel. In the present example, the decorative waist plaque can be worn a both at the lapel or hooked over a belt.