Oval shaped watch by Sampson Shelton

Oval shaped pair cased watch by Sampson Shelton. The silver inner case is undecorated, with a crystal in the cover, fixed by a ring. The winding aperture to the back is shuttered. The outer case is covered in fish skin and elaborately decorated with silver piqué work. The watch's silver dial has an engraved chapter ring and central flower and a blued steel hand. The movement has a three wheel train, Egyptian pillars and an oval pierced and engraved screwed-on balance cock. Worm-and-wheel set-up. Signed ‘Sam Shelton Fecit’. London c.1640.

Sampson Shelton of Fleet Street (c.1600 – 1648) began his career as a free Blacksmith, but became active in the breakaway group that formed the Clockmakers’ Company in 1631, serving as its treasurer. He was elected one of the new Company’s first Wardens in 1632 and then its Master in 1634 and 1638.

He saved the Clockmakers’ from certain bankruptcy in 1639, by paying off substantial debts incurred in obtaining the Charter. He founded the Company’s first charity in 1648, bequeathing £50 for the use of its poor.

Clockmakers' Museum No. 1480