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A rare differential dial pocket…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
22-Oct-2024
Lot No.
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Description:
A rare differential dial pocket watch, maker Joseph Buckingham English circa 1690 4.6 cm diameter, 6.2 cm high, 5.3 case diameter. A rare differential dial pocket watch, maker Joseph Buckingham. English circa 1690. This watch is an example of the very rare "differential dial" variety. The centre of the dial consists of a revolving disc with the Roman hour numerals one to twelve, which rotates at a speed 1/12th less than the single poker hand which indicate both hours and minutes. Outside this disc is a decorative band depicting military emblems and the maker's signature, the minute markings being on the extremity of the dial. The movement has a verge escapement, fusee and chain, and splendid tulip pillars. It also has a mock pendulum on the balance wheel, exposed by the cutaway balance cock which also bears military emblems. The style of the balance cock is very similar to the cock on the wandering hour watch by Abraham Fromanteel in the Norman Dean collection. Provenance: Purchased by Norman Dean from Terence Camerer Cuss 11th October 1982 for 2100 Pounds. Reference: The silver repousse outer case depicting the "Triumph of Mars and Venus", with a motto "Amoris tela omnium querela", is quite unusual, but an identical case on another differential dial watch is illustrated at page 99 of Antique Watches. Of passing interest is the fact that the signature on the dial (Bukinham) is different from the signature on the black-plate (Buckingham). Of more interest is the explanation of the "triumph of Mars and Venus" in Hall at page 200: Mars, the Roman god of war was one of the twelve Olympians. His brutal and aggressive nature made him hated by nearly everyone, including his parents Jupiter and Juno. The exception was Venus, who fell hopelessly in love with him. Here he is depicted as the warlike figure (wearing armour and a plumed helmet, with his hands chained) who is tamed by love (Venus, the godess of love) as they ride together in the chariot, drawn by two lions, driven by Cupid and surrounded by amoretto. Reference: Joseph Buckingham is listed in Britten, 1690-1725; Black-Moors Head and Dial, Minories; long case clock, fine marquetry case, c 1700; stolen gold watch advert. 1691. Dimensions: 4.6 cm diameter, 6.2 cm high, 5.3 case diameter
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Horology (Clocks & watches): Watches - Pocket & Fob