3 - THOMAS GRAY (active in London, 1780–1808)

THOMAS GRAY (active in London, 1780–1808) 18k gold (750 parts per thousand) pocket watch White enamel dial, black dot minute track, hour markers in black-painted Arabic numerals, silver-plated hands set with rose-cut diamonds. Bezel decorated with a row of half-pearls. Case back in blue guilloché enamel, decorated at the edge with a row of half-pearls, and in the center with a silver insert featuring a foliage wreath held in place by a knotted ribbon, set with rose-cut diamonds. Mechanical movement with manual winding via a key, balance cock with a re-drilled single screw and a jeweled counter-pivot, rosette for adjusting the rate, fusee and chain system, verge escapement, inscription “THOs GRAY SACKVILLE STREET 2098.” The watch was non-functional at the time of appraisal; no guarantee is given regarding future operation or the condition of the parts. Scratches on the case and glass, a slight mark on the dial, and a few light scratches on the enamel. England, late 18th century. Diameter: 4.7 cm. Gross weight: 89.3 g. Provenance - Martial Lapeyre Collection (1904–1984). - Fondation Napoléon (Paris) following the bequest by Martial Lapeyre in 1984. History The watchmaker and jeweler Thomas Gray, who had shops on the Strand and Sackville Street in London, was active from around 1780 until the early 19th century. He produced watches for the British Royal Court, notably enamel watches set with pearls. Lot presented by Mr. Nicolas Amsellem, watch expert (Cabinet Sancy Expertise, Paris).