A. LANGE & CO., DRESDEN | AN EARLY SILVER OPEN-FACED KEYWOUND LEVER WATCHCIRCA 1849

• Movement: gilded, asymmetrically-shaped central bridge, large ratchet wheel, club tooth escape wheel, bi-metallic compensation balance, signed A. Lange & Co., Dresden• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, blued steel hands• Case: silver, polished back, plain polished cuvette with apertures for winding and handset, case back and cuvette numbered 301

Reinhard Meis, A. Lange & Söhne The Watchmakers of Dresden, Vol. 2, p. 47, pl. 109 Munich, 2012.

Movement: running at time of cataloging but tarnished and a little dirty and with some light scratches to the plates. Winding and handsetting smoothly. Dial: with several hairline cracks, also a small repaired chip to very edge of dial above 12 o'clock. Case: with signs of light polishing and with light scuffs and scratches.
"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."

No. 301 is a rare example of one of Adolf Lange's earliest watches. For a description of this early movement see Meis, R., A. Lange & Söhne The Watchmakers of Dresden, Vol. 2, p. 47, pl. 109. Lange began production in 1848 and promised 500 pieces per year.  He underestimated the challenges that would come with training several apprentices, and consequently production was much slower than intended.  The firm built only 17 pieces in 1848, 92 in 1849, 135 pieces in 1850, and 186 pieces in 1851. 

For images and descriptions of various incarnations of early Adolf Lange key-wound watches, see op.cit., pp. 40-47, pls. 83-111.