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Cowle. A large, rare and historically interesting 18K gold openface pocket chronometer, presented to Muhammad Ali, Pasha of Egypt
Lot 138

Cowle. A large, rare and historically interesting 18K gold openface pocket chronometer, presented to Muhammad Ali, Pasha of Egypt

SIGNED GEORGE COWLE, LONDON, NO. 342, MANUFACTURED IN 1827 AND PRESENTED TO MUHAMMAD ALI, PASHA OF EGYPT IN 1828

Closed11 May 2009

Price Realised

CHF 62,500

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Cowle. A large, rare and historically interesting 18K gold openface pocket chronometer, presented to Muhammad Ali, Pasha of Egypt
Signed George Cowle, London, No. 342, manufactured in 1827 and presented to Muhammad Ali, Pasha of Egypt in 1828
Full plate gilt-finished movement, Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, bimetallic balance with compensation weights, blued steel helical spring with diamond endstone, gold cuvette with engraved floral and foliage decoration and inscription A Tribute of Regard from Alexander Galloway to Mahomed Ali, Pasha of Egypt, for his enlightened view and steady exertions in promoting Science, Art and Industry, the certain means of creating power, wealth & happiness for his Country. London 1828, gilt engine-turned dial with applied gold Turkish numerals on blank chapter ring, gold moon-style hands, subsidiary seconds, large, heavy circular case, chased and engraved geometrical and foliage decorated bezel and band, reverse with anthemion ornament in high relief, centred by a lotus flower, anthemion-shaped pendant, foliage decorated bow centred by the crescent moon, movement signed and numbered, case stamped with casemaker's initials WM and London date letter for 1828
65 mm. diam.

Specialist note

Muhammad Ali (1769-1849), was a viceroy of Egypt, and is sometimes considered the founder of modern Egypt. Born in Kavala he was appointed Ottoman governor (Wali) of Egypt in 1805. During his reign Muhammad Ali Pasha introduced significant social reforms, including the creation of modern educational institutions.

Alexander Galloway (1776-1847), radical and engineer, was by the mid 1820s one of London's largest employers. He had an active role in the burgeoning radical reform movement. His son Thomas Galloway was employed as a civil engineer by Muhammad Ali in Egypt and played an important role in the development of the Egyptian railroad system.