MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with nicely engraved and pierced balance cock and plate. Signed (W.Stapleton). In good original condition and running well.

DIAL : Fine signed silver champleve dial in very good condition. Nice original 18th century steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, no hallmarks, but maker’s mark EE. In reasonable condition, though the stem has been reattached and reinforced from the inside and the bow is later. The hinge is fine and the bezel closes. A little compression and some light bruises around the sides. Good high dome bull’s eye crystal with no damage.

OUTER CASE : Silver pair case. The hinge is fine and the case snaps shut nicely. The catch button has worn down, and the catch spring replaced, but also the inside of the back has had significant repairs and been reinforced. This shows through to the outside. But the case is strong and probably original to the watch.

William Stapleton is listed in London (Hanover Square) from the early 18th century until 1747.