Silver Shagreen Verge by Blithe

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance cock and ‘lace’ edge decoration to the balance cock and plates. This decoration was commonly used by London makers for a short period between 1760 and 1770.

Polished steel screws, silvered regulator disk and four square pillars.
Fully signed (Jas. Blithe) and numbered (2006).

The movement is in excellent condition throughout and running well.

DIAL : Fine white enamel dial, in almost perfect condition with just a couple of tiny chips on the edge at 12 and 6. Nice gilt beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, hallmarked for London, 1764, maker’s mark SP. Very good condition throughout. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut. The high dome crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : Silver and shagreen, in excellent unrestored condition with no repairs.
The hinge and catch are fine, and the bezel snaps shut. The top of the catch button has a small dent.

The shagreen still has a wonderful colour and is in very good condition, with just a very small loss at the rivot holding the catch spring. Just 2 silver pins missing from the back, but more from the front (though the shagreen is very stable).

James Blithe is listed in London around 1760.

PROVENANCE : This watch was formerly in the collection of Georges Baptiste, antique dealer and former President of BRAFA (Brussels Art Fair).