Ralph Gout London Rare Verge Fusee with Horse Pedometer, circa 1799. ...

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Sold on May 12, 2009 for:

$4,780.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

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Ralph Gout London Rare Verge Fusee with Horse Pedometer, circa 1799
Case: gilt, three body, inner signed dust cap, No. 255, upper plunger device to register pedometer units
Dial: enamel, Roman numerals, 10 and 100 unit counter dials, gilt and steel hands, center 100 unit registering hand
Movement: fire gilt full plate, No. 255, verge fusee, pierced cock with knight's helmet and trophy motif, diamond endstone
Signed: signed Ralph Gout on the dial, dust cap and movement

Notes: In 1799 Ralph Gout patented this unique horse pedometer and watch combination. The movement is signed "Patent by The Kings Letters, Ralph Gout, 255". Gout also made numerous watches for theTurkish market and invented a device for measuring the revolutions of a carriage wheel. This unique timepiece has the capability of measuring up to 6000 paces. There is a ten unit counter to the right, a hundred unit counter to the left and a center counter hand which advances for every hundred. The watch would be in a saddle holder and with each pace the horse took the upper plunger type device would be pulled in and out to activate the pedometer mechanism. Due to the rugged "job" this type timepiece was designed for, it is very rare to find a surviving example in good condition.

Condition Report*: Type: Ralph Gout London Rare Verge Fusee with Horse Pedometer
Dial: enamel, Roman, counter dials, center counter hand
Hands; gilt and blue steel
Metal: gilt
Case Info: plain three body, upper plunger for pedometer
Case Width: 56 mm
Crystal: glass bulls eye
Watch Movement: No. 255, fire gilt full plate, verge fusee, pierced balance cock with Knight in armor motif and engraved trophy, diamond endstone, silver disc regulator
Circa: 1799
Condition: movement is very good, dial good with hairline at the base, case with wear to the gilding on the back, upper counter plunger likely later
Notes: In 1799 Ralph Gout patented this unique horse pedometer and watch combination. The movement is signed "Patent by The Kings Letters, Ralph Gout, 255". Gout also made numerous watches for theTurkish market and invented a device for measuring the revolutions of a carriage wheel. This unique timepiece has the capability of measuring up to 6000 paces. There is a ten unit counter to the right, a hundred unit counter to the left and a center counter hand for every hundred.

*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".

Auction Info

2009 MAY Signature Timepieces Auction #5023 (go to Auction Home page)

Auction Dates

May, 2009

12th-13th Tuesday-Wednesday

Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6

Lot Tracking Activity: N/A

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Sold on May 12, 2009 for: $4,780.00

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