• Movement: gilded full plate, cylinder escapement, plain flat three-arm balance, decoratively engraved balance cock, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed D. & W. Morice, Fenchurch Street, London, no. 5264, signed gilt-metal dust cap
• Dial: black enamel, white Roman numerals, outer minute ring, polished silver heart-shaped hands
• Case: gold case, the back with traces of engine turned decoration, milled band, fixed inner cuvette, case hallmarked London 1818, cuvette and back with case maker's mark LC incuse with scroll above for Louis Comtesse and numbered 336

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 362, pl. 233

Movement will just run for short periods at time of cataloguing. Dial, possibly later, and with some hairline cracks although these are feint and difficult to see without the use of a loupe, two small repairs to the edge of the dial at 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock. There is some gapping around the edge of the movement and the case around the 11o'clock to 2 o'clock position, this may be due to repairs to the movement's hinge - this may also have caused the slight misalignment between the winding aperture to the fixed cuvette and the movement's winding square. Engine turning to case back is very rubbed with almost all decoration now lacking, milling to band still clear.
"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."

Black dials are very rare on English watches and are seen only occasionally during the 19th century. The short round pendant and ring bow are of a type that was already well established on the continent and becoming increasingly popular in England. Loomes, in Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, lists David and William Morice as being active between 1800-1832 at Fenchurch Street in London.