RIGAULT, BLOIS | A SILVER VERGE WATCH WITH LATER LACQUERED PORTRAITSCIRCA 1640-1660, PORTRAITS AFTER 1850

• Movement: gilded oval full plate, verge escapement, plain flat steel two-arm balance, decoratively pierced pinned-on balance cock engraved with flowers and foliage, blued steel wheel and click set-up, fusee and gut line, the back of the dial plate with decoratively engraved oval border of flowers and foliage, turned baluster pillars, backplate signed Rigault, Blois• Dial: silver, engraved Roman numerals filled with black wax, stylised fleur-de-lys half hour divisions between, quarter hour divisions to the ring beneath, gilded engraved border, single turned blued steel hand • Case: silver, the back with later vernis Martin-style lacquered portrait of a gentleman, the interior with further later lacquered portrait of Frederik V of Denmark, bezel split for glass retention, plain ring pendant

Movement: running at time of cataloguing. Some light scuffs and scratches to the backplate, one pillar is blued metal and although also a turned baluster in shape, does not exactly match the other gilded pillars and has likely been replaced. Dial: The dial with light scuffs, scratches and tarnishing to the edges. Case: Restoration to the portrait to the outside of the case, especially to the band and around the pendant but also to the portrait itself. The interior portrait also with restoration, most noticeably around the forehead area where there appears to have been an area of loss that has been filled and restored.
"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."

At least three members of the Rigault family worked in Blois between 1619 and 1692(see Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Vol.II, 1971, p.555). Although the movement is mounted on a round dial plate, the two are not a 'marriage'. The engraving to the dial plate which frames the oval movement plate is correct for a date of circa 1660-1670 which would suggest that the movement was either re-used from a previous watch or perhaps was an unused 'old stock' piece - the latter explanation seems the most likely since the fit is perfect and there are a lack of holes or marks indicating earlier use. The 'vernis Martin' style painted portraits are later and date from the mid 18th century onwards.