English repeating lever with polychrome painted portrait Circa 1877

Gold, enamel and diamond set half hunter watch 
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A fine English gold, enamel and diamond set half hunting cased minute repeating keyless pocket watch with concealed polychrome enamel painted portrait of an Indian gentleman, made for the Indian market by James McCabe in London, circa 1877. The watch features a gilded ¾ plate lever movement, signed Jas. McCabe Royal Exchange London, a cut and compensated bimetallic balance and diamond endstone. It includes steel hammers that strike coiled gongs. The white enamel dial displays black Roman hour numerals, outer minute divisions, subsidiary seconds positioned at 6 o’clock, blued steel double spade hands and is signed Jas. McCabe London.
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The watch has a gold cuvette and is encased in 18 carat gold, adorned with opaque turquoise enamel and diamond set scrolling stylized foliage. The front enamel features a scalloped inner edge and a glazed aperture, surrounded by blue enamel Roman numerals and a minute ring. The back is centred with a diamond set monogram, and has decoratively chased and engraved bezels and pendant. It includes a slide repeat in the band, with the front lid opening to reveal a finely painted polychrome enamel portrait of an Indian gentleman. The case is hallmarked 1877 and bears the maker’s mark AS for Alfred Stram and IMC incuse for James McCabe, the cover and cuvette have matching numbers.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Signed: Jas. Mccabe London
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The case is well preserved, featuring sharp engraving, and intact enamel and diamonds. The hallmarks are clear. The portrait inside the cuvette is undamaged, with no chips or cracks. The dial is in excellent condition, without visible cracks. The watch functions properly, ticking and repeating when wound, and the slide repeat mechanism is operational.
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The name James McCabe and the House of McCabe are part of a watchmaking dynasty that lasted for over a century. It was renowned for the enormous variety of its designs, and the creativity and prestige of its manufacture. James and his descendants would become one of Britain’s most prolific watchmakers with over 50.000 watches, 7000 clocks and 500 marine chronometers produced in the company’s 100 year history.
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James McCabe was born in 1748 in the town of Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland, into a family of watchmakers. His grandfather and father, Patrick McCabe, were both skilled horologists.
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Moving to Belfast, James apprenticed under his brother, Thomas, before setting up a workshop in London in 1775, in the Bells Building on Fleet Street, and subsequently, Cheapside and 97 Royal Exchange. His reputation quickly grew, he gained recognition as one of the leading watch and chronometer makers of his era. His timepieces were admired for their elegance, mechanical precision and durability, earning him prestigious commissions from royalty, nobility and prominent merchants. Among notable owners of his timepieces were Lord Horatio Nelson and the first President of the United States, George Washington. McCabe further became a respected member of the Clockmakers’ Company.
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After James’ passing in 1811, his sons continued the business, maintaining the company’s reputation for high quality horology throughout the 19th century.