- 15
Guliemus Godbed, Londini
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A SUPERB GILT-METAL, SILVER AND ROCK CRYSTAL OCTAGONAL WATCH WITH ASTROLABIC DIAL, AGES AND PHASES OF THE MOON AND DATECIRCA LATE 1640s
- gilt-metal and silver
- length including pendant 48 mm x 30.5 mm
• gilt full plate movement, pierced and engraved screwed-on balance cock, plain steel balance, worm and wheel set-up, early Egyptian pillars • silver astrolabic dial, Roman numerals with quarter divisions, outer rings for ages of the moon and date, aperture for moon-phases, blued steel hand • gilt-metal case with rock crystal covers, broad silver band with engraved floral design, fixed foliate pendant, with original silver protective outer case with floral engraving • movement signed Guliemus Godbed, Lombard Street, Londini
Provenance
H. Marryat Collection, London
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 70, pl. 29
H. Marryat, Henlein to Tompion, p. 33, pl. B12
Condition
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. Dial in good condition. The case with scuffs to the rock crystal, some of claws to the covers are lacking. The case appears to have been cleaned and refreshed.
"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."
"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
The complexity of the dial and its indications necessitated a more deeply formed movement and thicker case. The fixed foliate pendant is also large. Guliemus Godbed is recorded as being apprenticed in 1638 and a Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company in 1646. According to Baillie, he was one of thirty-three Freemen to sign a petition regarding the behaviour of the Court Assistants regarding business practices in 1656.
Robert H. Marryat (1871-1944) inherited an extensive watch collection from his father, and continued to add to it throughout his lifetime. He worked as an electrical engineer, and eventually became a prominent figure in the electrical and manufacturing industries. He partially owned a company called Marryat and Scott that produced lifts and other electrical equipment, and headed the company for a little over 50 years. Marryat also authored several books, most notably, Watches, From Henlein to Tompion, published in 1938. He developed a great interest in historic watches and the craftsmanship of their movements. His collection included pieces from John Arnold, Robert Pennington, and Jeremy East, along with many others. He completed the revision of the catalogue of watches in the Guildhall Museum, after which he became Freeman of the City of London. His daughter, Julie Marryat, married the famed watchmaker George Daniels.
Robert H. Marryat (1871-1944) inherited an extensive watch collection from his father, and continued to add to it throughout his lifetime. He worked as an electrical engineer, and eventually became a prominent figure in the electrical and manufacturing industries. He partially owned a company called Marryat and Scott that produced lifts and other electrical equipment, and headed the company for a little over 50 years. Marryat also authored several books, most notably, Watches, From Henlein to Tompion, published in 1938. He developed a great interest in historic watches and the craftsmanship of their movements. His collection included pieces from John Arnold, Robert Pennington, and Jeremy East, along with many others. He completed the revision of the catalogue of watches in the Guildhall Museum, after which he became Freeman of the City of London. His daughter, Julie Marryat, married the famed watchmaker George Daniels.