G. ETHERINGTON, LONDON | A FINE GOLD QUARTER REPEATING PAIR CASED REPOUSSE VERGE WATCH WITH CHATELAINEWATCH CIRCA 1725, NO. 1258, CHATELAINE CIRCA 1735

• Movement: gilt full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced winged masked balance cock engraved with scrolling foliage, plain flat balance, round baluster pillars, fusee and chain, repeating on a bell to the inside back, signed and numbered G. Etherington, London 1258, bell signed Higgins • Dial: gold champlevé dial, Roman numerals, Arabic outer minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands • Cases: gold inner, the band decoratively pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage and exotic birds, a church to the base and village scene beneath the pendant, stirrup plunge pendant and bow, maker's mark ?D (first letter obliterated by winding hole) and numbered 1?58 (number partially obliterated by bell post) further numbered beneath 258 • gold outer case with embossed and chased decoration around the central reserve, four part symmetrical scroll cartouche with half-round indents for four medallions depicting a lion, an eagle, a peacock and a dolphin, alternating with pierced, chased and engraved panels inhabited by birds, front bezel with pierced panels of scrolling foliage interspersed with baskets of flowers, pulse piece between 6 and 7 o'clock, outer case with maker's mark ID probably James Delander and numbered 1258• Chatelaine: the uppermost gilt metal panel depicting Cephalus and Procris with a stag and a dog, a winged putti in the air, beneath three further yellow metal panels each with the bust of a lady in profile joined by pierced, squared pendant chains, two side chains terminating in a crank key and a hardstone fob seal with continental arms, the pendant hook signed Howes for William Howes

Dial: With light scuffs. Case: Inside case back with two filled winding holes, the filling is just visible to the outside back if caught in a raking light. Bell scratch marked 'Huggens[??] London' and '1889 Laxon Coventry' Inside case back is additionally scratch numbered 477907H. Cases in good overall condition retaining clear definition, some light rubbing to most exposed areas of outer case. Movement: Running but not currently repeating, the pendant is stiff, when attempting to plunge, the train begins to engage but resistance is felt almost immediately.
"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 style of embossing and chasing to the outer case is one that was fashionable by 1720. George Etherington was a member of the Clockmakers' Company from 1684 until his death in 1729. Philip Priestley in Early Watch Case Makers of England (p. 41) notes a further watch by G. Etherington with case by James Delander which is hallmarked for the year 1716. The chatelaine is signed Howes. Arthur Grimwade notes in his book London Goldsmiths 1697-1837, (1976, p.553) that William Howes mark as a smallworker was entered on 16th May 1732 when the latter was based at Lamb's Conduit Passage, Red Lyon Square, London.