This is a fine English silver and shell pair cased pocket watch, in good working condition, with a verge escapement fusee movement, made in London by William Howard around 1782.

MOVEMENT : Nicely gilded movement in exceptionally fine, virtually mint, condition, with very few scratches and no wear to the gilding. Undamaged blued screws and beautifully engraved and pierced balance cock. It is running well.

DIAL : The white enamel dial is about 34.5 mm in diameter. It is in good overall condition but with two small chips at the centre and some light hairlines running in from the edge between 3 and 7 o’clock.
Matching blued steel hands.

INNER CASE : Full hallmarks for London 1782, maker EL. The hinge is in good condition and the case closes nicely. High dome bull’s eye crystal in good condition. The bow and pendant are fine. The silver is in good condition with just one small dent on the side and no bad scratches, excessive wear or repairs.

OUTER CASE : Very fine silver and shell case in exceptional condition. The hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut nicely. The release button is intact but with a few dents. The silver rims and pins are fine with amazingly only one pin head missing. Absolutely no shell missing, and just a couple of light scratches on the back (no cracks). No sign of any repairs.

Loomes lists a William Howard in London after 1750.