The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wrist...

Geneva, May 14, 2006

LOT 825

?Privateer Chronometer, Thomas Barry Esq. to his friend Capt. Mudge? Thomas Earnshaw, Invt. Et Fecit, London, No. 638/3090. The cases with London hallmarks for 1802-04. Very fine and rare, silver gilt, pair-cased pocket chronometer with ?Z? balance.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

EUR 4,500 - 6,000 / USD 5,500 - 7,000

Sold: CHF 14,160

C. Outer: two-body, by Richard Grove (mastermark RG), 1804, engine-turned, the center engraved around a crest with three ?fleur-de-lys?: ?GULIELMO SUO DE MALO LACU D D MORIENS ZACH MUDGE AD MDCCCLXVII, inner: two-body, ?bassine?, polished, (mastermark TH), 1802. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, large subsidiary seconds, centre inscribed ?Thos. Barry Esqr. To his friend Captn. Mudge?. Gold heart and poker hands. M. 47 mm., frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain with Harrison?s maintaining power, Earnshaw spring detent escapement, bimetallic ?Z? balance with wedge-shaped sliding temperature weights and two gold meantime screws, single footed cock with diamond endstone, escapement jeweled, blued steel free-sprung helical balance spring with outer terminal curves.Dial and movement signed. Dial signed on the reverse before firing ?Earn Invt 638 Old Komn?. Diam. 65 mm. To be sold without reserve


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - outer 30
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-12-01

Good

Worn

HANDS Original

Notes

Thomas Earnshaw Was instrumental in the development of the modern chronometer. For 200 years afterward the vast majority of marine chronometers have been constructed after the principles introduced by Earnshaw in the late 18th century and implemented in this watch. A privateer vessel was a privately financed and owned warship, which had been granted government license to attack enemy vessels. Privateering was a form of legitimate piracy. During the war of 1812, New York had 26 privateer ships on the seas, Baltimore as many as 18, while Newport, Charleston, Boston, Newburyport, Bristol, New London, Salem, Portsmouth, etc., all had their share. Privateersmen, being authorized to keep all or a part of their booty, often became extremely wealthy. Captain Mudge was the commander of the Gov Plumer, a privateer ship that took part in the War of 1812. Zachary Mudge (1770-1852) began his naval career in 1780 at the age of ten; by 1849 he had attained the rank of admiral. He was first lieutenant on H.M.S. Discovery, serving under Captain Vancouver, who in 1792 named Cape Mudge after him. Thomas Barry is recorded as having been a gunner in 1812 on the privateer ship the Macedonian, which also took part in the War of 1812.