This is a nice old English silver gilt pair cased pocket watch, in good working condition, with a verge escapement fusee movement, made around 1746, by William Porthouse in Penrith, Cumberland.

MOVEMENT : Nicely gilded movement, with square pillars and beautifully engraved with nice wide foot. The movement is signed and numbered (851). The movement is in good condition, with the gilding still bright and is running well.

DIAL : The white enamel dial is about 35.5 mm in diameter and in excellent condition with just some very light and small surface scratches.
Nice matching gold coloured hands.

INNER CASE : Hallmarks for London, 1746. The hinge is in good condition and the case closes nicely. Though the catch has worn, the case is easily opened using a pin to push in the catch. High dome bull’s eye crystal, with light scratches but no cracks or chips. in good condition. The bow and pendant are fine and without the usual repaired join to the case. The silver is in good condition with just a few light bruises and one tiny hole in the back where the hallmark has been stamped very deeply. The gilding in complete on the inside and evenly worn on the inside.

OUTER CASE : No hallmarks but a perfect fit for the inner and no reason to doubt it is original. The silver is in good condition with no dents, repairs or damage. The gilding has worn evenly through to the silver.

Loomes lists William Porthouse, working in Penrith from 1740.