English verge watch made for the Turkish market Circa 1815

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Kenmerk
AL2552
Diameter
41 mm
Estimate
€ 12.000 - 25.000
Price sold
€ 11.800

Gold and enamel pair cased verge by Markwich Markham Perigal
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A fine English 18 carat yellow gold and enamel pair cased verge watch made for the Turkish market, circa 1815. This watch features a fire gilt verge movement with a regulation dial, a floral openworked plate, balance cock, and movement pillar, complemented by blued screws and engraved with Markwick Markham Perigal London N 16798 mark. The white enamel dial, signed Markwick Markham Perigal London, features old Turkish numerals and has Beetle and Poker hands.
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It has two gold overcases, decorated with polychrome enamel using the champlevé technique, and a wavy border. The inner overcase displays a detailed enamel painting of Istanbul’s Leander Tower. The movement case is further decorated with enamel floral motifs in a green cartouche with a red translucent enamel border. Included are the original clock paper and a matching 20 cm long gold chain, embellished with enamel landscapes, flowers, and six pendants crafted from various materials.
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Diameter: 41 mm
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Weight: 86 g
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Signed: Markwick Markham Perigal London
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Markwick Markham.
James Markwick and his son, James Jr., were both fine watchmakers who worked in London. The elder was apprenticed on June 25, 1656, to Richard Taylor and subsequently to Edward Gilpin. He became free of the Clockmakers’ Company on 6 August 1666. Six apprentices were bound to him between 1674 and 1699. In 1673, he succeeded Samuel Betts in the business behind the Royal Exchange. Although he held office in the Clockmakers’ Company, he was irregular in attendance, ceasing to tend to its affairs after 1700. He worked until at least 1706. His son, James Markwick Jr., became free of the Company in 1692 by patrimony. The younger James Markwick was an eminent maker, Master of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1720 and a very early user of jewelled bearings. Later, he partnered with his son-in-law, Robert Markham, who succeeded him under the trading name of Markwick Markham, which became famous for watches destined for the Turkish market. Not only did this notoriety encourage the appearance of spuriously signed watches, but at the end of the century, Markham, or his successor, associated the names of other watchmakers with their products intended for the East. The makers thus associated are Francis Perigal, Peter Upjohn, H. Story, Borrell, John Johnson, Louis Recordon and Dupont. All were reputable watchmakers in their own right, selling other products under their own names.
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James Markwick and Robert Markham specialised in pocket watches aimed at the Turkish market, also working in collaboration with the watchmaker Francis Perigal. The latter was regarded as a manufacturer of fine and technically advanced watches. Even after the death of the founders, Markwick Markham, the company continued to operate under their name.

Signed: Markwick Markham Perigal London

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