95th Auction
2017/5/6
Lot 295
Andrew Fowlds, London, 93 mm, 418 g, circa 1785
A magnificent, heavy gold and enamel pocket watch studded with pearls and stones; with hour/quarter strike and carillon movement playing "Lady North's Minuet" on the hour; the musical movement can also be released by pressing the pendant.
Case: firegilt brass/gold-plated/silver/enamel/paste stones/pearls. Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, 2 hammers / 2 bells for quarter hour/hour strike, chain/fusee, cylinder escapement, three-arm steel balance. Musical Movement: pinned barrel, chain/fusee, 6 hammers / 6 bells.
The striking ornamental case is in excellent original condition. The back is decorated with a large translucent cobalt blue medallion on engine-turned ground. In the centre is an octagonal enamel badge framed by a fine silver border and alternating white and red stones: the exquisite en grisaille painting shows a burning altar of love and a semi-nude Venus with a winged Cupid; Cupid holds the mirror for Venus while she arranges her hair. Behind the goddess a pair of billing doves sits at the foot of a column. The case band is decorated with open-work gold ornaments and arches studded with half-pearls as well as green gemstones and a border of red stones.
The magnificent musical movement plays "Lady North's Minuet" at every hour or at will; the music was published in 1771 by ballet master Joseph Settree (died in 1783) as part of a collection of 24 pieces for dancers and ballet masters.
Andrew Fowlds became an apprentice in 1770. From 1780 on he was assessed to land tax on property in St John Square, Clerkenwell; originally from St. John’s parish in Clerkenwell, he married Margaret Smith at St Sepulchre, Holborn in 1781. Fowlds registered a maker’s mark at Goldsmiths Hall in 1782, working at 8 St John Square; in the same year he also paid the duty for the apprentice indentures of Robert Baker.
Records show him registered as a watch and clock maker at various addresses in St John Square: in 1783-91 at number 8, in 1790 at number 1 and in 1791 at number 9.
A magnificent, heavy gold and enamel pocket watch studded with pearls and stones; with hour/quarter strike and carillon movement playing "Lady North's Minuet" on the hour; the musical movement can also be released by pressing the pendant.
Case: firegilt brass/gold-plated/silver/enamel/paste stones/pearls. Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, 2 hammers / 2 bells for quarter hour/hour strike, chain/fusee, cylinder escapement, three-arm steel balance. Musical Movement: pinned barrel, chain/fusee, 6 hammers / 6 bells.
The striking ornamental case is in excellent original condition. The back is decorated with a large translucent cobalt blue medallion on engine-turned ground. In the centre is an octagonal enamel badge framed by a fine silver border and alternating white and red stones: the exquisite en grisaille painting shows a burning altar of love and a semi-nude Venus with a winged Cupid; Cupid holds the mirror for Venus while she arranges her hair. Behind the goddess a pair of billing doves sits at the foot of a column. The case band is decorated with open-work gold ornaments and arches studded with half-pearls as well as green gemstones and a border of red stones.
The magnificent musical movement plays "Lady North's Minuet" at every hour or at will; the music was published in 1771 by ballet master Joseph Settree (died in 1783) as part of a collection of 24 pieces for dancers and ballet masters.
Andrew Fowlds became an apprentice in 1770. From 1780 on he was assessed to land tax on property in St John Square, Clerkenwell; originally from St. John’s parish in Clerkenwell, he married Margaret Smith at St Sepulchre, Holborn in 1781. Fowlds registered a maker’s mark at Goldsmiths Hall in 1782, working at 8 St John Square; in the same year he also paid the duty for the apprentice indentures of Robert Baker.
Records show him registered as a watch and clock maker at various addresses in St John Square: in 1783-91 at number 8, in 1790 at number 1 and in 1791 at number 9.
Sold
estimated
40.000—90.000 €
Price realized
38.500 €