American Watch Co. Waltham An 18ct gold hunting cased watch mvt 2255142 case J7828 American circa 1880

Gilt 3/4 plate jewelled lever movement, white enamel dial, black painted Roman numerals, gilt hands, subsidiary seconds, outer minute track, lever set, cuvette inscribed Martini Henry 3.30.50, case engraved with the racehorses's portrait and J.C. White both framed by a horseshoe and foliage, case and movement signed, diameter 48mm.

Provenance
This watch was previously owned by the eminent Colonial New South Wales politician James C White. White was also a racehorse owner and punter and widely considered the most successful racing man of his time. This watch celebrates White's ownership of the New Zealand thoroughbred racehorse Martini-Henry (1880-1903) who in 1883 carried off the double - Derby and Melbourne Cup with a racetime 3.30.50. Martini-Henry was purchased by James White for something over 1,000 guineas, at the time the highest price paid for a yearling. Martini-Henry is regarded as ''one of the finest... thoroughbred(s) ever seen in Australia."

• Lot Sold $1,500 (Hammer Price)
• $1,830 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)