J. NAUMANN, DRESDEN | A FINE GOLD AND RED AGATE MOUNTED SINGLE CASED VERGE WATCH WITH MATCHING CHATELAINECIRCA 1750, NO.384

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, plain flat three-arm balance, decoratively pierced balance bridge engraved with scrolling foliage, silver regulation plate, turned pillars, fusee and chain, signed and numbered J. Naumann à Dresde, 384• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, paste-set filigree hands, aperture for winding, signed J. Naumann à Dresde• Case: gold mounted agate, the back set with a polished agate centred with matt engraved cameo depicting a floral bouquet within shell borders, gold wave-form chased and engraved mounts, the front bezel with four further panels of polished and engraved red agate, garnet-set thumb-piece• Chatelaine: composed of three similarly decorated agate panels each centred with a cameo depicting classical putti, each mounted within gold cartouches chased with scrolls, flowers and foliage, two pendant chains of similar form terminating to one side with a key mounted with a carved agate head, to the other an agate seal engraved with a head and mounted with a carved agate bust of a lady, the chatelaine backed with gilt-metal panels and pendant hook

Movement: will just run for very short periods, will need an overhaul. Dial: appears to be in good overall conditoin with a couple of small scratches Case: small crack to agate of case back, some cracks to the bezel's agate panels, there have been alterations made around the bezel holding the movement in place with some slight gapping in parts.
"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."

In his book Meister der Uhrmacherkunst (1977, p.450) J. Abeler lists two J. Naumann's as active in Dresden in the mid 18th century. One, Johann Friedrich Naumann from Dresden who was made a Master in 1744, is noted by the author with an example of his work described as a chatelaine watch with engraved agates that was sold at auction in 1971.