Important Watches

Geneva, Mar 20, 2010

LOT 181

Anness Rack Lever with Gold Case Anness, Cheapside, London, No. 1916. The case by William Mean with London hallmarks for 1812. Fine and very rare, 18K gold pair-cased pocket watch with rack lever escapement.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

USD 6,500 - 8,300 / EUR 4,800 - 6,200

C. Outer: two-body, polished, mastermark WM. Inner, two-body, bassine, polished. Gilt brass dust cap. D. Off-white enamel, radial Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions. Gold pear hands. M. Hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, jeweled to the third, fusee and chain, Harrison's maintaining power, 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. Movement signed. Diam. 53 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

The rack-lever escapement was patented by Litherland in 1791 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.