Abraham Cusin

Abraham Cusin, Nevers, circa 1630. Magnificent and very rare, silver, gold, gilt metal and enamel, single-hand concealed dial watch in the shape of Order of the Holy Ghost, believed to have once belonged to the King of Poland, John Casimir. Notes This is the only watch known to have been made in the form of the Order of the Holy Ghost. The craftsmanship is exquisite, but this is not surprising, for Abraham Cusin was known for his excellent work and was rewarded handsomely, as the records reveal.According to the previous owner (the watch was part of the historic Bellin Collection), it belonged to the Polish King John Casimir (1609, Kraków- 1672, Nevers), who in 1644 was made Cardinal, in 1648 became King of Poland, and who abdicated twenty years later, spending the rest of his life in France. Louis XIV gave him seven abbeys, one of them in Nevers, where he died. He was witty and intelligent but lacked patience and political wisdom. Passionate about clocks and watches, he assembled a coniderable collection. It seems that he was fond of French horology, and in his correspondence there are quite knowledgeable references to new inventions and trends. For example, in 1649 he wrote to a French scientist regarding new 'seconds' clocks.In support of the connection of this watch to the king, it is important to explain the significance of the Order of the Holy Ghost (Ordre du Saint-Esprit). It was established by King Henry III on December 31, 1578, in memory of his accession to t