13,225 CHF
Harbor Scene Edward Prior, London, No. 43802, made for the Islamic market, circa 1820. Fine 18K gold and enamel diamond-set quarter-repeating watch. Outer: double-body, glazed, with scalloped edge, the bezels with champlevé enamel decoration, diamond-set thumb piece. Middle: double-body with scalloped edge, bezels with champlevé floral decoration, the back with a finely painted seaside landscape, a castle to the right, a ship in the foreground. Inner: double-body, "bassine", back painted with a flower bouquet on a translucent scarlet ground over engine-turning, the band pierced and engraved with foliage, diamond-set pendant. White enamel with radial Islamic numerals. Gold "poker and beetle" hands. 28 mm., hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass English cock with ruby endstone. Repeating on a bell by depressing thependant.Signed on the dial and back plate, case with London prestige marks.Diam. 50 mm. Notes Edward Prior Was probably the son of John Prior of essfield, also a clockmaker. He and his brother George were among London's leading makers of watches for the Turkish and Islamic markets.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2003-06-14
