- 2
William Cory
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- A FINE AND RARE SILVER AND GILT-METAL OCTAGONAL VERGE WATCHCIRCA 1630
- Silver and gilt
- length including pendant 65 mm x 33 mm
• Movement: gilded full plate with decoratively engraved border, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved pinned-on balance cock and foot, plain flat balance, ratchet and click set-up with pierced decoration, fusee and gut line, baluster pillars • signed William Cory
• Dial: silver, gilded chapter ring with Roman numerals and half hour divisions, the dial centre with engraved scene depicting Amnon killing Absolom a banner engraved left and right reading ‘Amnon killed by Absolom’, bordered by engraved figures, scroll work and trumpet players above 12 o’clock, gilded arrow-form hand
• Case: silver, engraved scene to front depicting David dancing before the Ark, the corresponding back panel showing Rahab lowering the spies from the window, inside covers depicting respectively the Crucifixion and Resurrection each surrounded by related scenes, gilt-metal bezels and unusual cherub-form pendant, silver band engraved with figures including soldiers, jouster and a King beneath a castle
• Dial: silver, gilded chapter ring with Roman numerals and half hour divisions, the dial centre with engraved scene depicting Amnon killing Absolom a banner engraved left and right reading ‘Amnon killed by Absolom’, bordered by engraved figures, scroll work and trumpet players above 12 o’clock, gilded arrow-form hand
• Case: silver, engraved scene to front depicting David dancing before the Ark, the corresponding back panel showing Rahab lowering the spies from the window, inside covers depicting respectively the Crucifixion and Resurrection each surrounded by related scenes, gilt-metal bezels and unusual cherub-form pendant, silver band engraved with figures including soldiers, jouster and a King beneath a castle
Provenance
H. Marryat Collection, London
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 41, pl. 16
H. Marryat, Henlein to Tompion, 1938, p. 29, pl. B10
H. Marryat, Henlein to Tompion, 1938, p. 29, pl. B10
Condition
Movement not running at time of cataloguing but appears to be complete, some surface rust to the pivots. The backplate with scratches, pitting and wear to the gilding. Silver dial retains good definition to the scene, some wear to the very edge of the dial plate close to the opening, the chapter ring with visible signs of corrosion and pitting. Scenes to the covers remain clear although with some slight rubbing to the outside of the covers.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This watch shares some design similarities with another watch by James Vautrollier, see: The Celebration of the English Watch Part I, Sotheby’s 15th December 2015, lot 9. However, the present watch is larger and the engraving is considerably more detailed with scenes and figures from the bible filling 42 panels of the case’s lids and sides. The large and unusual cherub head pendant is also especially notable.
Formerly in the Marryat Collection, the watch was described and illustrated in detail by Marryat in his book Henlein to Tompion. Many of the scenes to the case and dial of Cory’s
watch are meticulously executed, none more so than the dial’s centre which Marryat describes thus: “Amon being killed by Absolom. A sword being thrust through his back, whilst the guests at the feast raise their hands apparently in horror.” Interestingly, as this watch was made before the publication of the King James I version of the bible, the chapter and verse engraved in two scenes refer to an earlier version of the Bible, pre-dating the King James I version.
Formerly in the Marryat Collection, the watch was described and illustrated in detail by Marryat in his book Henlein to Tompion. Many of the scenes to the case and dial of Cory’s
watch are meticulously executed, none more so than the dial’s centre which Marryat describes thus: “Amon being killed by Absolom. A sword being thrust through his back, whilst the guests at the feast raise their hands apparently in horror.” Interestingly, as this watch was made before the publication of the King James I version of the bible, the chapter and verse engraved in two scenes refer to an earlier version of the Bible, pre-dating the King James I version.