French. An 18K gold, enamel and diamond-set openface lapel watch

UNSIGNED, CIRCA 1800

Details

French. An 18K gold, enamel and diamond-set openface lapel watch
Unsigned, circa 1800
With gilt-finished verge movement, chain fusée, finely engraved and pierced balance cock and foot, the white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, in circular case with white and translucent red enamel decorated bezel and rim, the reverse with translucent red enamel on guilloché background centred by a glazed oval cartouche containing a lock of hair, a diamond set R and coronet (apparently those of The Duke of Rutland), together with a similarly decorated locket, the front with a glazed cartouche containing marine symbols and inscription Piu Chare Che La Vita and E.B.B. E.C., the back with a lock of hair, unsigned
38 mm. diam. & 84 mm. overall length

Lot Essay

It appears that the emblem on the present watch is the one of John Henry Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland, KG (Knightsbridge, January 4 1778 - 20 January 1857, Belvoir Castle). He was the son of Charles Manners, 4th Duke of Rutland and was styled Lord Roos from 1778 until 1779 and Marquess of Granby from 1779 until 1787. Married to Elizabeth Howard, daughter of Frederick Howard, 5th Earl of Carlisle, the couple had nine children.

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