99th Auction
2019/5/11
Lot 294
Johann Hillenbrandt im Steinbach Moorenweis (near Augsburg), 72 mm, 223 g, circa 1760
An exclusive pair-cased verge pocket watch for the Alpine region
Case: outer case covered with tortoiseshell, applied stud decoration, Inner case silver. Dial: enamel, "en bosse", polychrome painted. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, three-arm brass balance.
We have never before seen such an extremely high level of detail in the decoration of a watch movement in this type of watch, of this quality and dating from that particular period. The quality of the engraving, the level of skeletonizing and the overall impression remind us immediately of the spectacular pieces produced in Augsburg during the late Renaissance. The large, open-work balance cock shows a blacksmith and his helper putting a shoe on a horse’s right hind leg while the owner of the animal waits beside them. The movement signature sits - unusually - below the balance cock and loops around the balance. On the edge of the movement an open-work, polished steel banner sits between the ornamented, bun-shaped pillars; the writing in mirror image reads F REMHABSUN and most likely stands for F. Nusbahmer, who was probably the buyer of this watch. The movement as such is a fine example of superior skills and craftsmanship.
An exclusive pair-cased verge pocket watch for the Alpine region
Case: outer case covered with tortoiseshell, applied stud decoration, Inner case silver. Dial: enamel, "en bosse", polychrome painted. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, three-arm brass balance.
We have never before seen such an extremely high level of detail in the decoration of a watch movement in this type of watch, of this quality and dating from that particular period. The quality of the engraving, the level of skeletonizing and the overall impression remind us immediately of the spectacular pieces produced in Augsburg during the late Renaissance. The large, open-work balance cock shows a blacksmith and his helper putting a shoe on a horse’s right hind leg while the owner of the animal waits beside them. The movement signature sits - unusually - below the balance cock and loops around the balance. On the edge of the movement an open-work, polished steel banner sits between the ornamented, bun-shaped pillars; the writing in mirror image reads F REMHABSUN and most likely stands for F. Nusbahmer, who was probably the buyer of this watch. The movement as such is a fine example of superior skills and craftsmanship.
Sold
estimated
5.000—7.000 €
Price realized
7.400 €