2,990 CHF
English, No. 2037, made for the Dutch Market, with London hallmarks for 1787. Fine and unusual silver pair-cased watch, certainly made in commemoration of the wedding of Willem V of Orange & Nassau with Princess Frederika Sofia. Double body outer and inner "bassine", both polished. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minutes ring with arched divisions, the centre painted with profile facing portraits of the Princely couple with the inscription: P. Sofia. Wilhernina. Frederica P. W. D. 5 van Omni". Gilt brass Louis XV hands. Hinged gilt-brass full plate, the back plate engraved: Vivat Willem den 5 Prins van Orange en Nassau, with cylindrical pillars, fitsee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring and gilt-brass Dutch style cock. Diam. 67 mm. Notes The inscription "T.W.D. 5". van Oranie means: Prince Willem the 5th, from Orange and Nassau". Willem V (1748 - 1806) of Orange and Nassau was Governor of Ilolland, which at that time was just a province, from 1751 to 1795. In 1795, Holland was occupied by the French and Wilhem had to flee to England. When the French left Holland in 1813, Willem VI, the son of Wilhem and Wilhemina, returned to I-Iollznd to become the first King with the name of Wilhem I of the Netherlands. The present Queen of The Netherlands, Queen Beatrix, is a direct descendant from Wilhem V and Wilhem VI, later Wilhem I of The Netherlands.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1998-04-18