Bonhams 1793 : S. Smith & Son. A fine 18ct gold open face keyless wind minute repeating free sprung pocket watch together with original letter signed by the manufacturer, S.Smith and Son Numbered 157-4, London Hallmark for 1895, Sold 6th 1895

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18 Dec 2012 14:00 GMT London, New Bond Street
Fine Watches and Wristwatches
Back to auction 19810

S. Smith & Son. A fine 18ct gold open face keyless wind minute repeating free sprung pocket watch together with original letter signed by the manufacturer, S.Smith and Son

Numbered 157-4, London Hallmark for 1895, Sold 6th 1895
Jewelled 3/4 plate free-sprung English lever movement signed and numbered on the raised barrel and plate, two polished steel hammers striking on a gong, white enamel dial 'with a new principle' that when it is 'held in the hand, the 12 is before four at the top', with Roman hourly numerals and five minute outer divisions, plain polished hinged case stamped FTa for Frederick Thoms, plain polished cuvette, slide repeat in the band, thief proof bow, together with hand written letter to the owner from Smith & Sons themselves, dial and movement signed
54mm.

Sold for £6,875 inc. premium

Footnotes

This watch and certificate were sold to the original owner's family and have passed thence by descent. The accompanying letter/certificate states the following:

'London. Oct 6th 1895

J. Somers Story Esqr.
Sir. We have sent you per same post one of our no.157 watches, it has been prepared for Kew and as it is, with our certificate the price is £85, we have constructed this watch on a new principle, so that when it is taken out of the pocket, and held in the hand the 12 is before four at the top, it has also one of our recent additions, a revolving bow, so that it cannot be wrenched from the chain, a way in which so many watches are lost, it is altogether a very fine watch, the finest that skill can produce, and we are very proud of it, as a specimen of entirely English Manufacture, it has a double roller escapement, free-sprung, that it, you will notice without a regulator, as in a ship's chronometer, it has its rate, and requires no adjustment, it has also the raised barrel which allows of a deep mainspring, by which we get the most accurate timekeeping. We should want it back to finish and number.
To make another like it would take a minimum 6 months possibly 9 months. Awaiting the favour of your esteemed reply.

We Remain

Yours Obediently
*** S. Smith & Son
CB

Category: Clocks and Watches / Watches

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