94th Auction

2016/11/12

Lot 90

Benjamin Gray, London, Movement No. rxi, 42 mm, 66 g, circa 1737
An important ensemble of museum quality, consisting of a gold enamel pocket watch with two corresponding gold enamel chatelaines and a necessaire
Case: 22k gold and gilt brass, the surfaces decorated with translucent blue flowers and leaves in basse-taille enamel on an exquisitely engine-turned background. Dial: enamel. Movm.: fine full plate movement, keywind, chain/fusee, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance.
The necessaire has a wavy rim and a hinged lid with a diamond button for opening it and tapers to the bottom. It contains a pair of scissors, a small ivory tablet, an ear-spoon, a small folding knife, a pair of tweezers, a nib with holder and an awl.
The smaller chatelaine has a hinged centre and is about 75 mm long. The larger four-part chatelaine has a watch key attached and is 112 mm long.
Benjamin Gray (1676-1764)
Benjamin Gray is recorded as an eminent maker working in Pall Mall with his partner Justin Vulliamy. They were appointed clockmakers to the King. Today Benjamin Gray's clocks are held by many private collections.
Source: "Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World" by G.H. Baillie, vol. I, Edinburgh/London 1947, p. 130.

Sold

estimated
50.00065.000 €
Price realized
55.800 €