JAMES MCCABE, LONDON | A VERY FINE AND HISTORICALLY INTERESTING 22CT GOLD DUPLEX CLOCK WATCH MADE TO CELEBRATE THE 1863 MARRIAGE OF H.R.H. ALBERT EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES TO PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OF DENMARK 1864
Auction Closed
July 14, 12:35 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
JAMES MCCABE, LONDON
A VERY FINE AND HISTORICALLY INTERESTING 22CT GOLD DUPLEX CLOCK WATCH MADE TO CELEBRATE THE 1863 MARRIAGE OF H.R.H. ALBERT EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES TO PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OF DENMARK
1864
frosted gilded ¾ plate movement, two-train, duplex escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance, striking the hours and quarters on two gongs, the dial with silvered chapter ring, Roman numerals, engine-turned gold centre engraved with floral decoration, 22ct gold case, the front cover with double oval portraits of Albert Edward and Alexandra, the surround chased and engraved with flowers and foliage and surmounted with a crown, the back with polychrome enamel painted arms of the Royal Couple and motto Ich Dieu [sic], casemaker's initials JB, London hallmarks for 1864
diameter 49mm
Christie's South Kensington, 29 March 2000, lot 70
Albert Edward Prince of Wales was born on 9 November 1841 and was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He took the regnal name of Edward VII when he succeeded to the throne following Victoria's death in 1901 and reigned until his own death in 1910. On 10 March 1863, Albert Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark (1844-1925) who became Queen Alexandra upon Albert's accession to the throne.
The arms to the case back are those of Albert and Alexandra, interestingly the Prince of Wales's motto has been misspelt and reads 'Ich Dieu' instead of 'Ich Dien' which means I serve.
Although it is not possible to be certain who commissioned this watch, it is interesting to note that Albert Edward presented Alexandra with a clock by Thomas Cole for her 19th birthday in the year of their marriage, 1863 (see Sotheby's London, 4 June 1992, lot 351). It is perhaps possible that, in turn, Alexandra commissioned this watch for her husband's birthday the following year.