William Cribb, London

• Movement: gilded half-plate, lever escapement, plain gold three-arm balance, diamond endstone, signed and numbered Willm. Cribb, Southampton Row, Russell Square, London, no. 553
• Dial: gold, satin finished chapter ring with Roman numerals, outer minute ring, decorative engine-turned centre and subsidiary seconds, gold moon hands
• Case: gold, engine-turned case back and band, plain bow, the pendant with cap attached to fine chain for winding, hallmarked London 1828 and with maker's mark JB in rectangular cameo for Josiah Barnett

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 391, pl. 245
T.P. & T.A. Camerer Cuss, The Camerer Cuss Book of Antique Watches, 1976, p. 202, pl. 123
T.P. Camerer Cuss, The Country Life Book of Watches, 1967, p. 84, pl. 103

Movement running at time of cataloguing, winding operational. There is a crack to the bridge of the fourth wheel close to, but not running to the pivot. Dial with scuffs and scratches, some small losses to the black of the numerals. Engine turned decoration to case remains clear. Covers close securely.
"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."

The highly unusual keyless winding system incorporated into this watch was patented by Joseph Berrollas under patent number 5586 of 1827. A cap in the pendant is fixed to a chain which, when pulled outwards, winds the mainspring. The chain is similar in appearance and construction to that of a fusee chain and encircles a pulley and ratchet mechanism attached to the barrel. When the cap is released, both it and the chain are drawn back into the movement and the operation may be repeated until the mainspring is full.

Wiliam Cribb is recorded as working in Coventry and London from c. 1816, until his death in 1876.