17th century Thomas Tompion

Stock No. 1618

Thomas Tompion
London, c1694
Gilt & shagreen case, 51 mm
Verge escapement

Sold

A late 17th century Tompion watch, with later dial and in a later case.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced winged balance cock and four hybrid pillars (tulip topped by a crest). Reeded polished steel balance wheel.

Signed (Tho. Tompion, London) and numbered (1866).

Fine condition throughout, and running well. The movement catch is accessed for release by a small hole on the side of the rim of the case.

DIAL : Later, mid 18th century, white enamel dial.

In excellent condition with just a few light scratches. Good blued steel beetle and poker hands.

CASE : Gilt brass, with shagreen covering.

The brass is in good condition, though the catch button has worn away. There is wear to the gilding on the stem and bow, and rims. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut. The high dome crystal has a few light scratches.

The shagreen covering is very worn with a large section missing from the back and other wear.

Thomas Tompion

Crested pillars are uncommon in Tompion watches though other examples do exist. The serial number indicates a date of about 1694 for this watch.

PROVENANCE : This watch was previously in the collection of the late John Weston Gough, a painter and collector, in London during the 1950s & 60s and latterly of Ludlow, Shropshire.