DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Jno May, London (actually Joanna May, widow of William May, the latter apprenticed in 1672, in Clockmakers' Company 1679, appears to have deceased in 1689, when Joanna apprenticed to George Harrison, Joanna active from 1689-1710 at least, contradictions in standard listings), verge fusee with mock pendulum visible under blue glass installed over half of balance cock, 60mm, silver purpose-made OF consular case with 18th century German hallmark for Norden, date letter "R" with casemaker's mark "MM(?)" in rectangular cameo, KWKS, WED, verge escapement, gilt mvt with pierced & engraved foliate scrolled balance cock, the half opposite the window engraved only, garnet endstone with indicator setting, s#4810. Gross weight of assembled watch 93.2 dwt (144.9 g). Norden is located on the North Sea coast at the current northwest seaside corner of Germany.
CONDITION:
Mvt: GRO, good balance motion, good escapement function, plates show excellent gilding, little oxide on steel components, small edge flecks to the blue glass window; dial extensively restored with wax or paint filling, overall chipping, looking quite good for so much damage; excellent Continental hands; case shows light wear, many MFS, only the faintest dents or dings; button latch good, good top; bow & pendant original, having medium wear and much play to the through-hole; good domed glass crystal. A most interesting early English watch by woman maker in scarce purpose-made German case.
ESTIMATE:
$600
-
$1000
PRICE SOLD:
$650
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