Gold Pair Cased Cylinder by Graham

Gold Pair Cased Cylinder by Graham.

Signed: Geo Graham, London.
Circa: 1750.
Diameter: 52 mm.
Depth: 15mm.

A mid 18^th Century cylinder by Graham in gold pair cases.  Full plate fire gilt movement with signed gilt dust cover, square baluster pillars.  Pierced and engraved masked cock, diamond endstone in a polished steel setting, engraved foot and plate for the silver regulator disc. Fusee and chain with worm and wheel barrel setup between the plates.

Plain three arm steel balance, blue steel spiral hairspring.  Polished steel cylinder, large brass escape wheel. Contemporary white enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, gold beetle and poker hands.  Purpose made plain 22 carat gold inner case, gold pendant, the top with applied gold repousse decoration, hallmarked London 1766, maker’s mark “R.P” in a rectangle.

Purpose made 22 carat gold outer case, Greek key decoration to the bezels, the back with foliate engraving.  Hallmarked London 1769, maker’s mark “HT”.

A late example of a watch by Graham which is slightly larger than most at this period. The cases bear testimony to the regard it was held in. Only fifteen years after it was made a replacement inner case was made, most probably because the original had become damaged. Very shortly after this a new outer case was fitted.

The reason for this change may have been the original was personalised to the original owner or was no longer in fashion. George Graham (1673-1751) apprenticed to Henry Aske in 1688. He worked for Thomas Tompion and later became partners with him. After Tompion's death Graham continued the business in Fleet Street. He developed the cylinder escapement and exclusively used it in watches after 1728.

Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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