MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, signed and numbered (14796). Nice ‘lace’ edging to the balance cock and plates. Running a little fast (gaining about 3 minutes per hour).

DIAL : 38.25 mm. White enamel dial, signed and with gilt fleur de lys half hour markers. Good condition with just one light hairline running from 2 to 5, and a repair at the catch at 6 o’clock. Fine early gold coloured beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : 44 mm, silver with London hallmarks for 1783, maker’s mark IH, movement serial number (14796) and most unusually stamped with the maker’s name “I. HARDY”. The hinge is fine and the case closes nicely. Good high dome crystal with no damage. Good condition throughout though the pendant may have been reattached.

OUTER CASE : 53.75 mm, silver case, hallmarked as the inner, though without the maker’s mark. Silver rims and pinwork with horn or shell back and bezel. The hinge and catch are fine and the case closes nicely. The shell is in excellent condition and a good colour. Just one short, fine crack. All of the silver pins are present. A fine case in exceptional condition.

The case maker, John Hardy is listed a working in Bridgewater Square, London, in 1773 (ref. Philip Priestley).