57,500 CHF
La Petite Sainte Famillefratres Huaud pinxerunt, Geneva, circa 1700, movement by William Webster, London, No. 2354, circa 1740.Very fine 22 ct. gold and painted on enamel diamond-set watch with outer protective case. Made specially for the case, 35.8 mm o, hinged gilt brass full plate with square baluster pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance with flat spring, English cock, pierced and engraved with asymmetrical scrolling foliageshell at the base, diamond endstone.Signed on the case, movement signed and numbered.Diam. inner: 43 mm, outer: 50 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 114-115. Notes Webster Williama maker of great repute, apprentice and journeyman of Thomas Tompion, known for his excellent workmanship. Webster must have been very closely connected with Tompion, for the only early reference to Tompion's death was Webster's note in the London Gazette on November 24, 1713. In 1734 he was elected Junior Warden of the Clockmakers Company. He died in 1734 and the business was carried on by the equally respected William Webster II.It was a common practice in the eighteenth century to replace the movement in a particularly expensive or beautiful watch case, in order to take advantage of technological advances in horology. Examples can be found in numerous museums and private collections.See lot 264 for a discussion of the replacement of movements in important 17th century cases.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-03-31
