An 18th century London verge cased in a remarkable, high relief, gold repousse middle case, protected by a glazed shagreen outer.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge fusee movement, with engraved balance cock and plate. All in good condition and running well. Fully signed (Wm. Harding, London) and numbered (521).

DIAL : 34.25 mm, white enamel. Nice condition but with a surface scratch at 6 and some damage on the edge at 6. No repairs. Nice fancy gilt hands.

INNER CASE : Diameter 39 mm. London hallmarks for 22ct gold, 1771. Good condition throughout with just one small bump on the back caused by the maker’s stamp from the inside. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The pendant and bow appear to be original. The high dome crystal is fine.

MIDDLE CASE : Diameter 46.15 mm. A wonderful high relief gold repousse case, with classical allegorical scene. Perfect condition throughout. This case contains an old silk watchpaper with the Lord’s Prayer printed.

OUTER CASE : Diameter 53.75 mm. Gilt and shagreen with pique decoration and glazed back. Excellent condition throughout with just a little rubbing to the shagreen.The hinge, catch and button are all fine and the case snaps shut nicely.

William Harding is listed in London after 1761.