Gold pair cased verge by Rayment, London

A London verge pocket watch, with ‘lace’ edge decoration to the movement, in gold repousse pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with engraved and pierced balance cock. Lace edge to both the balance cock and plates. Four unusual fancy ornate pillars, silver regulator disk and blued screws.
Signed (Rayment, London) and numbered (1758).

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

DIAL : The ornate white enamel dial, with fleur de lys half hour markers, is in good condition, with just a light hairline running across the centre from 1 to 7, and a chip at the opening catch.

Fancy gilt hands.

INNER CASE : 22ct gold, hallmarked for London, 1766, maker’s mark SS (rubbed).

In reasonable condition. There are some light bruises to the back. The stem has been reattached. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : 22ct gold pair case with repousse decoration showing a musician playing a harp, with three other figures.

In good condition with just a little wear to the high points of the repousse work. The hinge and catch are fine and the bezel snaps shut firmly. However the catch button is split and compressed.

The ‘lace’ edge to the balance cock was a popular form of decoration for London makers, but only used for a short period between about 1750 and 1770.

This watch is probably by Thomas Rayment, listed at Old Jewry, London and recorded by the Clockmakers Company between 1719 and 1768.