Staffordshire verge by Joseph Slack, Ford

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with engraved and pierced balance cock, silver regulator disk and and four round pillars.

Signed (Josh. Slack) and numbered (1802).

The movement is in good original condition and is running well.

DIAL : Later white enamel dial in average condition, with a repair to the centre and a few scratches, the worst from the centre towards 11.

Later blued steel hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with clear hallmarks for Birmingham, 1791, maker’s mark HH.

In good condition though the pendant has been reattached. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is also in good condition.

OUTER CASE : Silver pair case with hallmarks matching the inner.

Very good condition throughout. The hinge and catch are fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.

Joseph Slack is listed at Ipstones, Staffordshire during the late 18th century. Ford is a tiny hamlet, just a few files from Ipstones, where a relation of Joseph’s, John Slack was also a watchmaker.

The case maker is probably Henry Harding of Coventry.