Prince Charles Edward Stuart's pocket watch
£24,000
Jacobite, Stuart, and Scottish Applied Arts
Auction: 13 May 2015 at 12:00 BST
Description
the French gold case with charge mark JQ, Elio Bircharch Paris 1758, with finely enamelled reverse with cypher an star within oval cartouche, crowned above all in gold, with enamel lion, unicorn, roses and thistles flanking, the out border composed of gold and enamel trailing rose bud, oak leaf and acorn border, with diamond set thumbpiece and enamel bezel, the dial with green enamel ground and roman numerals with arabic chapter ring, the verge movement signed 'In Obsquii Rignus Devotissimus Carus'
Dimensions
dial 40mm, case 46mm
Footnote
Notes:
While Jacobite symbolism is seen in many and varied objects, the wealth displayed on this piece can leave no doubt to its importance. From the obvious use of green, a Catholic colour; the crowned cypher, a standard emblem within Royal silver and jewellery, with the addition of the star, which is seen on various Jacobite works, most notably glass. The Scottish royal supporters of lion and unicorn and the delicate use of thistle and roses are also featured.
This symbolism is all contained within a border of oak, the symbol of strength used for the Stuart line as early as Charles II hiding in the famous and celebrated Boscobel Oak during the English civil war.
The inscription to the movement leaves little doubt as to the intention of the decoration, 'A most devoted dear token as an offering.'