• gilt full plate movement, lever escapement similar to Massey's type-IV,  two-arm bi-metallic compensation balance, helical balance spring, engraved beat scale, fusee and chain • gold engine turned regulator-type dial, satin finished chapter rings, hours dial at 6 with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds at 12 and outermost minute track with Arabic numerals, blued steel hands • gold case with engine turned band and case back, case hallmarked for London 1826, and stamped with casemaker's mark ED for Edward Delgrave

Cecil Clutton and George Daniels, Watches, p. 70, and fig. 266a-b, Second edition

Terrence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch, 1585-1971, p.390, pl. 244

Movement will not run continuously when wound at the time of cataloguing. Dial in excellent condition, engine turning still sharp and defined. Cuvette and inside case back with minor scuffs and scratches. Band sharp and defined. Engine turning to case back fades towards the outermost edge.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Thomas Cummins was a little known maker. He is recorded in Baillie, Second edition, 1947 as a member of the Clockmakers' Company from 1806-1820.  Clearly later pieces were discovered after the publication of Baillie's Second edition, with pieces finished between 1825-1827. Cummins had a small output of high quality watches. Currently, less than a half dozen pieces are known.  Clutton and Daniels, Watches notes that Cummins was the first English Maker of the second generation who regarded the lever watch as a precision instrument. Cummins' lever escapements  employed a refined version of Massey's type IV lever. The present example appears to be the only known Cummins watch to include resilient banking work. Of further note is the somewhat diminutive size of the present lot, measuring 52mm, it is considered the smallest watch known by this maker. 

Cummins used a double numbering system for his watches, the first part is the series number of the watch, and the second is for the date of completion.

For another very similar watch by Thomas Cummins, see Sotheby's London, The Belin Collection, 29th November 1979, lot 172 and Camerer Cuss,The English Watch, p. 386, pl. 242