17thc Champleve Verge by Michael Johnson

Good early London verge, with a calendar champleve dial.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with a large and well engraved and pierced winged balance cock. Signed ‘Mi. Johnson, London’. Four very unusual pierced pillars.

In good condition, and running well. The calendar mechanism is complete and working.

DIAL : Fine silver champleve dial, with signed central disk (IOHNSON) and calendar aperture.
In excellent condition. Nice original 18th century steel hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with rubbed maker’s mark TG (crowned). Small sliding cover for the winding aperture on the back (nicely adapted from a regulator disk).
In reasonably condition, though the pendant has been reattached (and reinforced) and the bow is later. Small dents to the back and band, and some compression to the band. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome crystal is also fine.

OUTER CASE : Silver, with engraved bezel and back. No maker’s mark.
The 7 sleeve hinge, catch and catch button (replacement) are fine and the case closes correctly.

The engraving is heavily worn, especially to the back, and there are some light bruises, but generally in reasonably condition.

Michael Johnson is listed in London from 1677 and in the Clockmaers’ Company from 1687 until 1704.