111st Auction
2024/11/16
Lot 237
Thomas WindmillsThe birth of Venus
An extremely rare pair-cased high relief repoussé verge pocket watch with half quarter repeater and matching rococo chatelaine
Sold
estimated
2.200—5.000 €
Price realized
8.300 €
specific features
Case
Outer case - 20 K gold, around the edge open work decoration and decorated with acanthus and four medallions with chased portraits, the back with a mythological scene in chased high relief. Inner case - 20 K gold, open work decoration, movement protection cap, rear bell.
Dial
Enamel.
Movement
Full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm brass balance.
Case no.6690
Diam.50 mm
Circa1720
Ctry.England
Wt.142 g
The back of the outer case is decorated with a chased high relief scene showing the "Birth of Venus". The rococo chatelaine that comes with the timepiece is also ornamented with a chased pattern and is made of gilt brass and 18 K gold. It consists of four parts and features a winding key as well as a signet with agate ornament and an engraved thistle, Scotland's national flower.
According to Brian Loomes, watchmaker Thomas Windmills of London (born in 1672) began training with his father Joseph Windmills in 1687; Joseph Windmills was considered one of the best makers in London in the late 17th century. In 1714 Thomas worked with his father, before entering a partnership with Bennet around 1725.