An early Liverpool watch, with interesting balance cock.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge movement, fully signed. Interesting pierced and engraved balance cock with portrait. Complete and in good condition. Running well.

DIAL : The white enamel dial has chips at the catch at 6, and 3 hairlines running from the centre. Later (reproduction) steel beetle and poker hands.
The dial has lost the 3 feet, so has been glued onto the dial plate. It is of the correct period, but not possible to say now whether it is original.

INNER CASE : Brass gilt, with no maker’s mark. Some of the gilding has worn off the outside though still complete on the inside. The hinge has been repaired so although the bezel does snap shut, there is a gap near the hinge.. The high dome bull’s eye crystal has a few small chips right on the edge, hidden by the bezel.

OUTER CASE : 48.5 mm. Silver gilt, with no marks. The back is engraved with a monogram (rubbed). In reasonable condition with small dents but no holes or cracks. The hinge and catch button are worn but the case does snap shut.

Robert Barnes is listed in Liverpool between 1751 and 1761.