Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 13, 2012

LOT 221

ANDERSON - REBECCA COVERING HERSELF WITH A VEIL BEFORE ISAAC Jno. Anderson, London, No. 10400. Made circa 1740. Very fine and very rare, rococo, 22K gold pair-cased pocket watch with unusual two-layer repousse work and outer giltbrass and shagreen protecting case.

CHF 5,000 - 7,000

USD 5,500 - 7,600 / EUR 4,000 - 5,800

Sold: CHF 5,875

C. Outer: two-body hinged, repoussé, decorated with a scene of Rebecca covering herself with a veil before Isaac after the engraving by G. van der Gouwen after G. Hoet ?Rebecca lights off the camel & covers her Self with a vail? of 1728, the high relief repousse pierced and a further repousse gold plate secured behind to create depth of background, rococo scroll border, fl ower and asymmetric scroll decorated bezel. Inner: two-body, "bassine", polished, master mark probably JC. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer arcaded minute track and Arabic fi ve-minute numerals. Pierced gilt hands. M. 34.5 mm, hinged, gilt full-plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance with fl at balance spring, pierced and engraved two-footed cock, silver regulation dial. Movement signed, inner case with indistinct London hallmarks.Diam. 46 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-19

Good

Dent(s)
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

This watch exhibits the rare type of repousse work whereby the scene in high relief is partially pierced and a further repousse gold plate is mounted behind to give the impression of extra depth to the scene. The scene represents Rebecca covering herself with a veil before Isaac. Abraham sent his servant Eliezer to look for a bride for his son Isaac, praying for guidance, he asked that whoever gave him and his camels water at the well would be an eligible woman. This proved to be Rebecca, Eliezer then took her back to Canaan where Isaac saw the camels approaching. When Rebecca learned who he was, she alighted and covered her face with a veil. Isaac took her to his mother?s tent and she became his wife. This scene was engraved by G. van der Gouwen in 1728 after a painting by G. Hoet, this engraving is now in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. A repousse watch with the same scene is illustrated in ?The Art of the Gold Chaser in 18th Century London?, Richard Edgcumbe, 2000, fi g. 134a.