The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 28

Erminia and the ShepherdsJohn Ellicott, London, No. 5272, repoussé by G.M. Moser, casemaker HT incuse, hallmarked 1764.Very fine 22 ct. gold repoussé, pair-cased cylinder watch.

CHF 10,000 - 12,000

USD 6,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 14,375

C. Outer: two-body, entirely repoussé, depicting Erminia and the Shepherds, from an episode in a romantic epic poem of the First Crusade by Tasso. Erminia, daughter of a Saracen king, was in love with the Christian knight Tancred and, in her search for him, disguised herself in armor. She came across an old shepherd and his family who extolled the virtues of a peaceful existence, in contrast to war which she in her armour seemed to typify. Inner: two-body, 'bassine', polished, gilded dust cap. DWhite enamel, Roman chapters, outer minute ring with five-minute Arabic numerals. Blued-steel 'beetle and poker' hands. M. 32.4 mm o, hinged gilt brass full plate with elaborate pillars with pierced scrollwork, fusee and chain, cylinder escapement, brass escape wheel, plain steel three-arm jewelled balance, diamond endstone, single-footed cock pierced and engraved with asymmetrical foliage, worm and wheel set-up.Signed on the movement and the dust cap.Diam. 49 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 140-141 .


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 15
Movement: 3 - 5 - 6*
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Moser George Michael (1704-1783)born in Schaffhausen, was a well-known embosser, goldsmith, enameller, and teacher of drawing to King George III. He made the first great seal of George III, as well as many expensive watch cases, among them one for Queen Charlotte, for which he received 'a hatful of guineas'.He was a pivotal figure in obtaining recognition for goldsmiths as artists. Sir Joshua Reynolds described him as 'the Father of the present Race of Artists'. In 1768 he became the first Keeper of the Royal Academy. Around 1740 he was one of the first to begin using asymmetrical compositions in framing ornaments borrowed from the rococo. His engravings are the first English asymmetrical patterns published. His work is sometimes compared to that of French painter J.A. Meissonnier. He did repousséork for William Webster, Gray, Justin Vulliamy, and others. Most of his work is signed; quite often, as in the present lot, on a vertical portion of a step.