George C. Williamson
Catalogue of the Collection of Watches, The Property of J. Pierpont Morgan | An extremely rare and historically important horological text, 1912
Session begins in
June 15, 02:00 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 40,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Williamson, George Charles
Catalogue of the Collection of Watches. The Property of J. Pierpont Morgan. London: Privately printed at the Chiswick Press, 1912
4to (367 x 280mm). Title printed in gold, 92 heliogravure plates, 37 plates by Hallett Hyatt, each plate with a printed guard. Original gilt blue crushed morocco, the spine gilt in five compartments with raised bands, remaining with repeat gilt decoration, doublures, moire endpapers, gilt dentelles and text-block edges gilt, slipcase; spine lightly sunned with minor wear, front endpaper with minor loss in lower corner, slipcase worn and extremedies, some scuffing.
Numbered 4 out of 20 copies done on Japanese velllum.
With Antiquariaat Meijer Elte N.V., The Hague, 1961;
By whom sold to Mr. A. Schwarz, Amsterdam/Amstelveen;
Mr. and Mrs. S. Nijstad, The Hague (acquired from the above);
Acquired by descent from the above by the present owner
A remarkable testament to the scholarly ambitions of one of the greatest collectors of the modern era, the present Catalogue of the Collection of Watches, the Property of J. Pierpont Morgan represents one of the most significant horological publications of the early twentieth century. Issued in 1912 and compiled at Morgan’s request by G. C. Williamson, the work was privately printed at the renowned Chiswick Press and conceived not for commercial sale, but for limited distribution among leading institutions. The present example, number 4 of just 20 copies printed on Japanese vellum, belongs to this exceptionally restricted edition, distinguished by its exquisite materials and elaborate production.
As noted at the time of publication, the catalogue was produced in three tiers: fifteen copies on pure vellum, twenty on Japanese vellum, and forty-five on handmade paper, each featuring hand-colored facsimiles executed under the supervision of the engraver Hallett Hyatt. These deluxe editions were among the most lavishly produced books of their time, incorporating engraved plates and hand-applied gold and silver leaf to create images of extraordinary fidelity. Each copy was individually numbered and designated for private circulation, with Morgan himself arranging their distribution to major libraries and museums worldwide, underscoring the scholarly purpose of the project: to serve as a lasting resource for the study of horology at the highest level.
The catalogue documents Morgan’s extraordinary collection of 242 watches, widely recognized even in its own time as one of the most important assemblages in private hands. Spanning centuries and encompassing works from across Europe, the collection was conceived not merely for aesthetic appreciation but as a comprehensive survey of the evolution of timekeeping, from its earliest forms to the refinement of portable watches. In preparing the volume, Williamson devoted years to research, drawing on leading authorities and archival material to produce detailed descriptions that illuminate the technical, artistic, and historical significance of each piece.
The present copy simply represents one of the ultimate bibliophilic treasure in horological history. Morgan received the catalogue on Christmas Day, 1912 in Rome and cabled Williamson, in New York, “It is the most beautiful book I have ever seen.” Today, examples from these limited editions remain exceedingly rare on the market, particularly those printed on vellum. Combining rarity, craftsmanship, and scholarly importance, the present volume is among the great monuments of horological literature.