A wonderful quality cylinder repeater, in silver and leather pair cases, by one on the best London makers of the late 18th century.

MOVEMENT : Gilded movement with cylindrical pillars, silver regulator disk, and diamond endstone. The movement is signed and numbered (2465). Protected by a removable signed gilt dustcap (also numbered 2465). All in excellent condition throughout, running and repeating correctly.

DIAL : Fine signed enamel dial in excellent condition with just a few very light scratches around the centre and on the edge at 4 and a small chip at the catch at 6. Nice original 18th century steel beetle and poker hands.

SILVER INNER CASE : No hallmarks but maker’s mark PM under the bell. Beautifully pierced and engraved throughout. The high dome crystal is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.

The small lever on the bezel at 7 is a ‘pulse piece’ allowing the repeat to be silent but vibrating, by pressing the button during the repeat.

The bell is original and has the name ‘Drury’ scratched on it. These were London bell makers throughout the 18th century.

SILVER/LEATHER OUTER CASE : Again in fine condition. The catch and hinge are fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The small button on the bezel at 7 allows the pulse lever on the inner case to be pressed.

John Leroux (1750 – 1805) is listed at 8 Charing Cross, London. He is known for his development of the lever movement following Thomas Mudge’s invention of the escapement.