Lot 397

John Lampe, London, Movement No. 1046, 57 mm, 204 g, circa 1730
A heavy, large pair-cased quarter repeating verge pocket watch with "repoussé" ornamentation "The Loving Couple"
Case: outer case - 18K gold. Inner case - 18K gold, rear bell. Dial: gold, champlevé. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, 1 hammer, engraved silver protective cover, three-arm steel balance.
The outer gold case of this heavy timepiece has a pierced rim decorated with engraved and chased rocaille ornamentation and four oval medallions. The medallions show profile portraits of two ladies and two bearded men. The rim on the front side is similarly embellished with small medallions with seashells. The inner case is comfortable to hold and elaborately ornamented - the pierced rim is engraved with acanthus leaves, heraldic birds and dolphins and a bacchanalian mask at 6 o’clock, with the view of a city near the pendant. The bell strikes the quarter hour with a clear and strong tone. The gilt movement has a large diamond endstone and applied silver ornamentation; this matches the movement’s lateral silver protective cover which is lavishly decorated with mascarons, wild animals and dolphins surrounded by lavish tendrils.
John Lampe was a member of the Clockmakers' Company from 1713 to 1765; in his book "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World" Baillie mentions the fact that he was a member from 1714 on. Lampe had a workshop in Henrietta Street in London; he is also known to have produced long case and table clocks. A watch movement by Lampe is part of the Ilbert Collection.
Source: Watch-Wiki.org