Lot 78

John Brockbank

A London pair-cased gold enamel verge pocket watch of high quality, with half quarter repeater

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The outer case is decorated with translucent cobalt blue and green Champlevé flowers and loops with white enamel ribbons, and a central oval medallion of translucent cobalt blue enamel ornamented with a vase, on engine-turned ground. The gold inner case has an open-work rim and a central flower stalk; it is lovingly engraved with scrolls and petals.

In 1761 John Brookbank established a clock manufactory in London together with his brother Myles. Both brothers were members of the Clockmakers Company and had a reputation as makers of excellent chronometers. Thomas Earnshaw and Peto both worked for the Brockbanks brothers from time to time. Sometime between 1775 and 1815 John and Myles Brockbanks took Samuel Elliot Atkins into their company and began signing their watches "Brockbanks & Atkins".