Gold Repousse Nativity Scene Attributed to Moser

An attractive watch with rare nativity scene in excellent overall condition, the scene showing no evidence of wear. Although apparently unsigned the chasing of the scene can be attributed to Moser by virtue of the serpent decoration around the button. Richard Edgcumbe in his book, The Art of the Gold Chaser notes ?a coiled snake around the push of most cases ...? is a characteristic of Moser?s watchcase chasing. The high quality of the workmanship of the chasing is also in keeping with other examples of his watchcases.

George Michael Moser was born in Schaffhausen on January 17, 1706. He studied chasing and gilding under his father Michael, an engineer and coppersmith. He moved to London in 1726 and worked for John Valentine Haidt, goldsmith and watch chaser. By 1737 he was working on his own account at Craven Buildings off Drury Lane. In addition to chasing he also produced fine enamel cases. Both he and his daughter, Mary Moser, were Founder Members of the Royal Academy of Arts, George Michael also taking on the role of Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools. He designed the great seal of George III and painted enamel portraits of the royal children for Queen Charlotte. Moser continued to work at least until the late 1770's, and was active for the Royal Academy until the end of his life. When Moser died in January 1783 a eulogy written by Sir Joshua Reynolds, praised him as possessing "a universal knowledge in all branches of painting and sculpture, which perfectly qualified him for the place that he held in the Academy? he may truly be said, in every sense, to be the father of the present race of artists.". He is buried in the churchyard of St Pauls, Covent Garden.

Repousse cases depicting the nativity scene are surprisingly rare. Richard Edgcumbe?s book does not contain one and we can only recall seeing two other examples. One is a magnificent 1756 silver cochwatch of 175 mm diameter sold in Sotheby?s ?Celebration of the English Watch? sale in 2017. The scenes are almost identical, apparently taken from a 1734 painting of the subject by Giuseppe Peroni. The majority of subjects depicted on repousse watch cases are taken from mythology. Biblical scenes are far less common and almost exclusively from the Old Testament.

The outer case was hallmarked prior to the decoration being applied. Only the date letter for 1762 has survived which matches the mark in the inner case. James Warne, London St Pancras, 1763, bankrupt 1768-75. Casemaker David Pullin, Coleman Street, free of the clockmakers company 1745.