Walter Stacy Ward, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved masked balance cock with symmetric scrollwork across the four quadrants, gold flat balance, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed and numbered W S Ward, London, No 5
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, gold hands
• Cases: plain gold inner, the back with winding aperture, stirrup bow and pendant • plain gold outer, both cases with maker's mark MR incuse for Mary Reasey    

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 265, pl. 159

movement not running at the time of cataloguing. the watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. Cases in very good condition, the inner with minor rubbing to the case back. both with very minor scratches throughout due to age and wear. Dial with small chip to the centre above 6. Hands in good condition.
"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."

Although some very small English watch movements were made in the period from 1760-1780, most were intended to fit objects such as rings or fans. It is extremely rare to find such a small movement fitted into a pair cased watch. Perfectly proportioned, the case and dial are miniaturised versions of standard pair cased watches of the period. The movement has some unusual features, including a gold balance which, being heavier than brass or steel, was almost certainly included to improve the watch’s performance. The contrate wheel is in effect rimless with the teeth cut vertically and the fusee has just three turns.

Walter Stacy Ward was the son of silversmith Michael Ward and was apprenticed to Thomas Griffing. Few watches signed by Walter are known. The cases of this watch have the mark of Mary Reasey. It was rare for women to register their own mark. Mary, whose mark was registered in March 1773, is thought to be the widow of James.