18,400 HKD
The Continence of ScipioJames Green, London, No. 3259, hallmarked 1765-66.Fine 22K gold pair cased repousee watch. Outer: Two-body repousee with a scene depicting The Continence of Scipio, bezels with repouse rocailles and floral pattern; inner: two-body, "bassine", polished. White enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, five-minute Arabic figures. Gold "spade hands. 35mm, gilt brass full-plate with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain steel tree-arm balance, flat balance spring, single-footed cock, gilt dust cup.Signed on dial and movement. Diam. 50mm Notes After capturing the city of New Carthage, Scipio received as a prize of war a beautiful maiden. Upon learning that she was engaged, he summoned her fiancé and restored her to him unharmed. This act of clemency became legendary symbol of Roman nobleness.Cornelius ScipioWas born 236 BC. At the age of 26 he was given proconsular imperium by the People and was dispatched to fight against the Carthaginians in Spain. He fought for 5 years, defeating every Carthaginian army and won for Rome its 2 Spanish provinces. He became consul in 205 BC at the early age of 31. He invaded Africa and Sicily gaining cognomen Africanus.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2002-06-08
