Lot 354

Patek Philippe & Cie. Genève, Movement No. 99807, Case No. 209795, 32 mm, 47 g, circa 1893
A remarkable, small Geneva pocket watch "Thaler of St. George" - delivered to Spaulding & Co. Chicago - with Patek Philippe extract from the archives
Case: 14k gold. Dial: gilt, ornamented, enamel cartouches with radial Roman numerals. Movm.: bridge movement, screw compensation balance.
Patek Philippe is always proud to keep traditional skills and craftsmanship alive – in the late 19th century they produced this fine treasure inspired by the verge pocket watches from centuries past – with a modern movement but otherwise true to the original style, with enamel cartouches on a gilt dial and a Repoussé ornament showing St George and the dragon. The picture is based on the "Georgstaler", a medal that was first coined in 1521 and carries the motto: S. GEORGIUS EQUITUM PATRONUS (St George patron saint of horsemen). In the 17th century the back of the medal was traditionally decorated with a biblical motif from Mark 4:35, showing the sleeping Christ with his disciples on a stormy sea – here it ornaments the inside of the back cover. Like on the medal, the motto reads IN TEMPESTATE SECURITAS (safety in a storm) and is repeated on the crystal ring on the front. The watch was delivered (and signed accordingly) to Spaulding & Co. in Chicago. A protective power as was ascribed to the taler - which was known as a soldier’s amulet from the Thirty Years’ War until the 19th century - cannot be guaranteed…