Mudge & Dutton, cylinder in gold cases

A fine cylinder watch from this wonderful maker, in gold pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilded movement with square baluster pillars, silver regulator disk, blued screws and beautifully pierced and engraved balance cock with diamond endstone. Steel escapement wheel.

The movement is signed (Tho. Mudge, W Dutton, London) and numbered (1400).

Protected by a removable gilt dust cap, signed as the movement and marked with the serial number inside.

All in very good condition, with the screw heads still undamaged. Running well.

DIAL : A fine white enamel dial, typical of Mudge’s later watches. In excellent condition.

Fine 18th century, gold, beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : 22ct, gold case, with London hallmarks for 1789, maker JC.

In reasonable condition. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.
The bow is slightly distorted, there are some shallow dents around the band, the winding aperture has been reinforced from the inside and there is a tiny hole in the centre of the back which appears to have been caused by the case maker’s mark being heavily stamped.
The high dome crystal is good.

OUTER CASE : 18ct., gold. A later case, hallmarked for London 1847, maker’s mark CM.

The catch and hinge are fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely, though the catch button is worn,. There are a couple of light bruises to the edge of the back.

The gold cases, excluding movement and crystal weigh about 61 gms.

Thomas Mudge was in partnership with William Dutton from 1755. Mudge died in 1794, so this watch was made towards the end of his life.

PROVENANCE : Christie’s, 10th December 1980, lot 255.
The collection of Dr Trevor Hyde, Sydney, acquired from the above.

Thomas Mudge