Dreweatts 1759
Lot 144
A GEORGE III SILVER CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH WITH ENGINE-TURNED DECORATION
BENJAMIN WOOD, LONDON, 1760
The gilt full plate single fusee movement with four square section baluster pillars pinned through the backplate, scroll-pierced stop-iron block and verge escapement regulated by sprung three-arm steel balance with Tompion type regulation, the backplate with fine symmetrical foliate scroll pierced and engraved balance cock with grotesque mask at the junction with the conforming pierced and engraved foot, flanked by silvered regulation disc set within adjacent applied scroll engraved panel infill opposing signature Ben, Wood, London and numbered 12143, the slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with winding square to centre, Arabic five minutes to outer track and gilt spade hands, the silver case with unusual deeply cut star-centred spiral engine-turned decoration to rear and conforming hatched decoration to bezel, fitted with suspension post and bow at twelve o'clock and a convex glass to bezel, the interior with hallmarks for London 1760 maker HT.
The pillar plate 3.3cm (1.25ins) diameter, the case 4.5cm (1.75ins) diameter.
Benjamin Wood is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working before 1769.
The case of the present watch is notable in that it is a relatively early example of English engine-turned decoration which was becoming increasingly fashionable at this time. Indeed three years after the current watch was made Josiah Wedgwood acquired a rose engine in order to execute similar engine-turned decoration onto his ceramics.
Together with:
SETH THOMAS
A SILVER KEYLESS WIND OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, CIRCA 1884
Movement: Three quarter plate movement, lever escapement, bimetallic split balance, flat balance spring
Case: Silver four piece hinged case, the back cover with a vacant cartouche, hallmarked Birmingham 1884
Dial: White
Size: 54mm
Signed: Dial, movement
Accessories: None
Condition Report:
Movement is in dirty neglected condition however appears complete and original. The mainspring winds however the movement is not currently operational due to the balance staff being broken. The dial has hairline cracks and probable triangular filled repair near the XII numeral. The case is in good original condition. There is no key present.
Condition Report Disclaimer
