Verge Pocket Watch by Straine

A late 18th century London verge, in a horn pair case, underpainted with a ‘sailor’s farewell’ scene.

MOVEMENT : Fine gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance cock and four round pillars. Signed “Charles Straine, London” and numbered “1458”.

In good condition, and working.

DIAL : White enamel dial, in perfect condition, except for a small chip on the edge at 6.
Mismatched gold coloured hands.

INNER CASE : Gilded brass, with maker’s mark IH.

Some wear to the gilding but generally in nice condition with no dents.
The bow is a replacement. The high dome, bull’s eye crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : Gilded brass with a underpainted covering. Painted seaweed borders to the bezel and back, and a beautifully painted ‘sailor’s farewell’.

There is general wear to the gilding, a small dent to the opening catch button, but the bezel snaps shut correctly and the case is in overall good condition.

The horn coveringis complete on the bezel, and has one short crack and a one small piece missing, both on the edge at the hinge. A few pins are missing to the bezel and back.

The scene showing a sweetheart waving farewell to a departing ship is often found on late 18th century horn cases. This is a particularly nice example.

Charles Straine is listed in London, pre 1798.