92nd Auction
2015/11/14
Lot 208
Nicolas Massy, Blois, 50 mm, 133 g, circa 1710
A pair-cased single-handed verge pocket watch with alarm
Case: outer case - silver, polished, large lateral hinge. Inner case - silver, open work border and reverse side with very fine engravings, decorated with foliage, flowers, birds and small animals, central flower blossom; rear bell. Dial: silver, Champlevé, inlaid radial Roman hours, central rotating alarm disc, blued single hand. Movm.: fine full plate movement, keywind, firegilt, signed, chain/fusee, additional pierced and florally engraved barrel for alarm, 1 hammer, conical baluster movement pillars, three-arm brass balance, pierced and florally engraved balance bridge.
Renowned French watchmaker Nicholas Massy (I) was a native of Blois and became a master there in 1623. He got married in the same year and had three sons, who all came to be famous makers themselves. His son Nicolas Massy (II) was born in Blois and came to London as a refugee; his workshop was in Cranbourn Street in Westminster. He was a member of the Clockmakers’ Company from 1682 on and died in 1698. His son Nicolas Massy (III) took over his father’s workshop in Cranbourn Street and became a member of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1693; he died in 1723.
Source: Brian Loomes, "Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, London 2006, p. 516
A pair-cased single-handed verge pocket watch with alarm
Case: outer case - silver, polished, large lateral hinge. Inner case - silver, open work border and reverse side with very fine engravings, decorated with foliage, flowers, birds and small animals, central flower blossom; rear bell. Dial: silver, Champlevé, inlaid radial Roman hours, central rotating alarm disc, blued single hand. Movm.: fine full plate movement, keywind, firegilt, signed, chain/fusee, additional pierced and florally engraved barrel for alarm, 1 hammer, conical baluster movement pillars, three-arm brass balance, pierced and florally engraved balance bridge.
Renowned French watchmaker Nicholas Massy (I) was a native of Blois and became a master there in 1623. He got married in the same year and had three sons, who all came to be famous makers themselves. His son Nicolas Massy (II) was born in Blois and came to London as a refugee; his workshop was in Cranbourn Street in Westminster. He was a member of the Clockmakers’ Company from 1682 on and died in 1698. His son Nicolas Massy (III) took over his father’s workshop in Cranbourn Street and became a member of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1693; he died in 1723.
Source: Brian Loomes, "Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, London 2006, p. 516
Sold
estimated
7.500—9.000 €
Price realized
7.500 €