L13301

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Lot 86
  • 86

A George III mahogany angle barometer with Perpetual Regulation of Time, Francis Watkins, London, circa 1760

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • mahogany, brass, pewter and glass
  • 105cm. 41½in. high
silvered angled scale signed F Watkins, London, alcohol thermometer with silvered Fahrenheit scale, hygrometer, the centre with a finely engraved plate of tables entitled A Perpetual Regulation of Time and giving calendrical, lunar, tidal and zodiacal information for the years 1753 to 1852, the moulded frame with architectural cresting and brass urn finials above plain turned cistern covers

Condition

Mercury angle tube and mercury lacking. Scales rather dirty and would benfit from cleaning and possibly re-silvering. Glazed sheet in generally good condition but with some old damage around the lower centre. The frame with old cracks and marks throughout but otherwise in good condition. With two brass adjustment knobs.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Francis Watkins was apprenticed in 1737 to Nathaniel Adams and became Free of the Spectaclemakers' Company in 1746. In 1747 he set opened his own business as an optician in Charing Cross. He became one of the leading instrument makers of the second half of the 18th Century and is best known for his angle barometers with Perpetual Regulation of Time.   His earliest examples date to circa 1753 and this particular example can be quite accurately dated to circa 1760 as it is in a style he used when in partnership with his apprentice Addison Smith bteween 1763 and 1774.  Francis Watkins continued working at 5 Charing Cross until his death in 1784.  He was succeeded by his nephews Walter and Jeremiah Watkins.