J. Assmann, Dresden

A GOLD KEYLESS LEVER WATCH WITH DECORATIVELY CHASED AND ENGRAVED HUNTING CASE MADE FOR THE SOUTH AMERICAN MARKET CIRCA 1890, NO. 8192

• Movement: decoratively engraved nickel ¾ plate, lever escapement, 15 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, ruby endstone, signed and numbered J. Assmann, Dresden, no.8192
• Dial: silver dial, the centre decoratively engraved with flowers and foliage, engine-turned chapter ring with Roman numerals, pearled outer minute ring, sunken subsidiary seconds, the border with silver and gold scrolling leaves and foliage, blued steel fleur-de-lys hands, signed J. Assmann, Dresden
• Case: 18ct gold, highly decoratively chased and engraved covers, the front with symmetrically arranged scrolling flowers and foliage surrounding a central blank cartouche, the back similarly decorated and centred with a winged lion atop a pedestal, bezels with repeated geometrically patterned chased and engraved borders, pendant and bow similarly decorated, hand-set lever beneath bezel between 4 and 5 o'clock, polished gold cuvette engraved with flowers and foliage and signed and numbered J. Assmann, Dresden, no.8192, back cover numbered 8192, front cover numbered 92
diameter 51mm

Provenance:
Julius Assmann joined the Lange firm in 1850. Lange was grateful for his support since Schneider had already become semi-autonomous in 1848. Lange and Assmann worked together for two years until Assmann himself set up his own manufacture, with strong support from Lange.

Assmann focused on developing strong relationships with America, and earnt a reputation as an elite watchmaker both there and at home. As a result of his efforts, he gained access to the South American Market, and made pieces specifically marketed to his clients there, of which the present lot is an example.