Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

Geneva, May 10, 2009

LOT 249

Rack Lever with Gold Case Robert Roskell, Liverpool, No. 2362. The cases with Chester hallmarks for 1803-1804. Fine and very rare, 18K rose gold pair-cased pocket watch with Litherland?s patent rack lever escapement and stop feature.

CHF 4,000 - 6,000

USD 3,500 - 5,200 / EUR 2,600 - 4,000

C. Outer: two-body, ?consular?, polished, mastermark TH. Inner, two-body, bassine, polished. Gilt brass dust cap. D. White enamel, radial Arabic numerals, outer dot minute divisions, large subsidiary seconds with inner five-second divisions. Fine pierced gold hands. M. 43 mm., hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with ringed cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, rack lever escapement with large brass escape wheel, three-arm steel flat-rim balance with flat balance spring, diamond endstone, single-footed foliate engraved cock, regulator arm with engraved scale on the backplate, stop slide protruding from the bezel. Movement signed, both cases with matching hallmarks. Diam. 57 mm. with outer case.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-24-01

Good

Slightly chipped

HANDS Original

Notes

The rack-lever escapement was patented by Peter Litherland in 1792 and was used by both Liverpool and London makers during the first quarter of the 19th century. The present watch is rare due to the gold pair case, as most rack lever watches were made with silver cases.