Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...
Geneva, Mar 29, 2009
LOT 61
Cleopatra and Octavian Cabrier, London, the case by George Michael Moser. Made circa 1765. Very fine and very rare, quarter-repeating, 22K gold repoussé pair-cased pocket watch with a toc feature and gilt brass and shagreen outer protective case.
CHF 6,000 - 8,000
USD 5,100 - 6,800 / EUR 4,000 - 5,400
Sold: CHF 9,000
C. Outer: two-body, gilt metal and shagreen. Second: two-body, repoussé, very finely chased with a scene of Cleopatra and Octavian, scroll border and with four outer shell cartouches, pierced scrollwork between, the bezel decorated to match. Inner: Two-body, ?bassine? by AN (master mark), deep back, the band finely pierced and engraved with inhabited foliage and a grotesque mask. Silver dust cap. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with large five-minute Arabic numerals. Blued steel scroll hands. M. 32 mm, gilt full plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance with flat balance spring, single-footed cock with streamers, blued steel endplate, finely pierced and chased backplate furniture, silver regulation dial, lever for full repeat or a toc in the bezel. Movement signed, outer repoussé gold case signed ?M? for George Michael Moser. Diam. 47 mm, 55 mm with outer case.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-03 |
Good HANDS Period |
Notes
George Michael Moser (1704-1783)
Born in Schaffhausen, he was a famous embosser, goldsmith, enameler, and teacher of drawing to King George III. He made the first great seal of George III, as well as many elaborate 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 repoussé work for William Webster, Gray, Justin Vulliamy, and others. Most of his work is signed.