HILDEBRAND, NUREMBURG | A SILVER PAIR CASED VERGE WATCH WITH MOCK PENDULUM AND CONCEALED ENAMEL PORTRAIT OF A LADYCIRCA 1705

• Movement: gilded full plate, the backplate with polychrome enamel painted portrait of a lady with blue ribbons in her hair surrounded by a decoratively engraved border, verge escapement, fusee and chain, scroll top Egyptian pillars, signed Hildebrand • Dial: silver champlevé dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands, central banner engraved Nürnb and surrounded by scrolls, glazed aperture to reveal the mock pendulum with banner above signed Hildebrand, gilded subsidiary dials/squares marked for regulation• Cases: silver inner case, split bezel for glass retention, the back with winding aperture, stirrup pendant and bow, case maker's mark IP? beneath a crown • plain silver outer case

Dial: Some light scuffs and scratches. Case: The inner and outer cases with small indentations to the surface, especially around the band. Movement: Running at time of cataloguing. The enamel portrait has been restored and there are signs of chipping around the winding aperture.
"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."

Jürgen Abeler, in his book Meister der Uhrmacherkunst [1977, p.279] records that Jo. Christian Hildebrand from Nuremberg became a Master in 1705. The dial is handsomely arranged with an off-set chapter ring beneath which an aperture reveals the balance, an arm of which is affixed with a disc to mimic the action of a pendulum. The placement of the balance to the movement’s top plate allows for the addition of the enamel portrait plaque to the backplate. The lady in the portrait who has ribbons in her hair may be the Duchesse de Fontanges (1660-1681), mistress of Louis XIV. It is said that the Duchesse – who was considered a great beauty - tied ribbon in her hair after she lost her hat whilst riding and that, thereafter, the ladies of the court wore their hair up, tied with a fontange. Similar portraits are known from watches by Simon de Charmes; for a similar example see: Sotheby's London, 6 July 2017, lot 13.