98th Auction
2018/11/10
Lot 377
Robert Ward, London, Case No. 10862, 56 mm, 149 g, circa 1780
A triple-cased half quarter repeating verge pocket watch with "repoussé" ornamentation "The Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba"
Case: protective case - brass, applied shagreen with stud decoration. Intermediate case - 22K gold, "repoussé" decoration, pierced edge. Inner case - 22k gold, florally engraved and pierced, signed and numbered silver movement protection cap. Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm steel balance.
This exquisite pocket watch has a striking, very ornamental intermediate case of supreme haptic quality; this owes to the fine protective outer case, which also presents itself in excellent condition. The back is decorated with an intricately chased scene showing King Solomon receiving the Queen of Sheba. The figures have a striking presence against the background and seem almost three-dimensional.
The open-work inner case is ornamented with exquisite floral engraving. The bell is slightly damaged in one place but this does not at all affect the fine clear sound of the half-quarter repeater.
According to Brian Loomes, Robert Ward started his training as a watchmaker in 1768 in Abchurch Lane. In 1779 he was freed from the Clockmakers' Company and specialised in watches with musical movements.
A triple-cased half quarter repeating verge pocket watch with "repoussé" ornamentation "The Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba"
Case: protective case - brass, applied shagreen with stud decoration. Intermediate case - 22K gold, "repoussé" decoration, pierced edge. Inner case - 22k gold, florally engraved and pierced, signed and numbered silver movement protection cap. Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm steel balance.
This exquisite pocket watch has a striking, very ornamental intermediate case of supreme haptic quality; this owes to the fine protective outer case, which also presents itself in excellent condition. The back is decorated with an intricately chased scene showing King Solomon receiving the Queen of Sheba. The figures have a striking presence against the background and seem almost three-dimensional.
The open-work inner case is ornamented with exquisite floral engraving. The bell is slightly damaged in one place but this does not at all affect the fine clear sound of the half-quarter repeater.
According to Brian Loomes, Robert Ward started his training as a watchmaker in 1768 in Abchurch Lane. In 1779 he was freed from the Clockmakers' Company and specialised in watches with musical movements.
Sold
estimated
4.000—8.000 €
Price realized
5.300 €