32,200 CHF
A. Bell Seymor in York, circa 1650. Fine early silver English Puritan watch. Two body, "bassine", polished with winding shutter and loose-ring pendant. Plain polished silver with Roman numerals, half and quarter hour divisions, the dial plate with engraved hatched decoration. Single blued-steel hand. Gilt brass full-plate, pierced Egyptian pillars, three wheel train with fusee and gut line, wormand- wheel set-up with blued-steel brackets and silver disc. Verge escapement with plain balance without spring, florally pierced oval cock secured by a screw. Signed on the back plate. In good condition. Diam. 53 mm. Notes This is a typical example of a puritan watch, so named because of the plain aspect of the case and dial, in keeping with the strict code of behaviour enforced in England, under the governement of Oliver Cromwell, which orbade any display of wealth. Formerly in the collection of Edward Hornby.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1991-10-20
