English pair cased quarter repeating pocket watch Circa 1797
- Kenmerk
- AD4465
- Diameter
- 50 mm
- Estimate
- € 5.500 - 11.000
- Price sold
- -
Gold open faced pocket watch by Peter Wirgman
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A fine, heavy English pair cased quarter repeating verge pocket watch from the property of a high noble family, circa 1797. This extraordinary pocket watch comprises two cases. The outer case is made of 18-carat pink gold and features an engraved crest of the Marquess of the County of Bute, along with the motto Avito Viret Honore (He flourishes on the honours of his ancestors) and a large lateral hinge. The inner case is also crafted from 18-carat pink gold and showcases a beautifully engraved floral border, a pusher for repetition via pendant, and a rear bell. The gold dial is sablé and adorned with the noble family crest, applied Arabic numerals, and elegant gold spade hands. The full plate movement is keywind, signed, and gilt and includes a chain/fusee mechanism, two hammers, solid circular movement pillars, a cylinder escapement, a three-arm steel balance, and a finely engraved balance cock with mascaron.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Weight: 87 g
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Signed: Peter Wirgman, London
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The Marquess of the County of Bute, commonly called the Marquess of Bute, is a title in the Peerage of Great Britain. The title was created in 1796 for John Stuart, the 4th Earl of Bute.
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Peter Wirgman was a jeweller and goldsmith located at 67 Saint James’s Street in London around 1790. He was the brother of Gabriel Wirgman, who was James Upjohn’s business partner in Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell, London, in November 1769. Thomas Wirgman, a nephew of Peter and Gabriel, succeeded Peter Wirgman in his jewellery and goldsmith business. Thomas was also located at 67 Saint James’s Street, although this address may be a typo. In addition to being a jeweller and goldsmith, Thomas Wirgman was also a philosopher and writer.
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Attention all concerned parties, please note that any outstanding debts owed to the estate of the late Mr Peter Wirgman, a jeweller from St. James’s-street, Piccadilly, should be settled immediately by making payments to his successor, Mr Thomas Wirgman, of St. James’s-street, or Mr Garling, Jr. of No. 31 King Street, Bloomsbury, who is the solicitor to his Executrix. On the other hand, if you have any claims against the estate, please deliver your accounts to Mr. Thomas Wirgman or Mr. Garling immediately. This announcement was published in The Morning Post and Gazetteer (London, England) on Monday, June 01, 1801.
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According to an article in The Gentleman’s Magazine, Peter Wirgman was a well-known goldsmith who lived in Denmark Street, Soho. He was responsible for creating the precious metal cases for the Freedom of the City of London, an honorary citizenship awarded to Lord Keppel. Wirgman passed away in 1801.
Signed: Peter Wirgman, London




















