Irish Gold & Enamel Lever – 1868
Signed John Donegan – Dublin
Place of Origin : Hallmarked Dublin
Date of Manufacture: 1863
Diameter : 53 mm
Condition: Good
Original price was: £6,500.00.£5,520.00Current price is: £5,520.00.
Presenting an exceptionally rare timepiece from the mid 19th Century - an Irish fusee lever watch encased in gold and adorned with stunning enamel work depicting shamrocks. This exquisite full hunter case showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the era.
The watch features a gilt three quarter plate keywind movement, equipped with a fusee and chain mechanism, as well as Harrison's maintaining power. The engraved cock with a polished steel regulator and the plain three arm gold balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring highlight the watch's attention to detail. The English table roller lever escapement ensures precise timekeeping.
Adorned with a beautifully decorated gold dial, featuring intricate engine turning and engraving, the watch also boasts applied gold Roman numerals and elegant blue steel hands. A subsidiary seconds dial adds to its functionality.
What sets this timepiece apart is not only its aesthetic appeal, but also its local provenance. The case bears the maker's mark "JD," and the movement is stamped with "ID" (where J and I were commonly interchangeable at the time). This suggests that the watch was made by John Donegan of Dublin, a renowned watchmaker with two shops in the city, active during the year 1837.
Overall, this watch is a rare and attractive piece that showcases exceptional craftsmanship and Irish heritage. The combination of the exquisite gold and enamel work, coupled with its local origin, makes it a truly remarkable timepiece.
Signed John Donegan - Dublin
Place of Origin : Hallmarked Dublin
Date of Manufacture: 1863
Diameter : 53 mm
Condition: Good