Frederick Lawrence, Louth

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, pierced and engraved masked balance cock, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed F. Lawrence, Louth, 35962
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, the dial with polychrome enamel painted scene of farm workers in a cart driven by 2 horses
• Case: plain silver inner and outer, winding aperture to inner case back, Regency pendant, both cases hallmarked London 1855 and with maker's mark IW incuse for John Williams or John Weston

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 402, pl. 255

Movement running at time of cataloguing, winding and hand setting operational. Dial with a hairline crack towards the centre and another by 5 o'clock, the painted scene in attractive condition. Silver inner case with depression to the band consistent with its fitment into the upper case. Outer case with light scuffs and scratches, indentation to the bezel just above 3 o'clock, a few other small indentations. Covers close securely.
"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."

Painted dials depicting pastoral and usually idealized views of the countryside became fashionable in the second half of the 18th century . Almost exclusively found on provincially made watches, the popularity of painted dials of this type ensured
their continuing production well into the 19th century. The scenes often suggest a witty narrative, in this instance, the viewer is encouraged to wonder that the haymakers are only in a hurry since their working day is over and they are doubtless heading for the pub. In truth, life had become increasingly hard for labourers during the period, with the removal of grain import controls and duties.