Fine gold & enamel verge

A late 18th century verge watch, in a wonderful gold and enamel case. All in exceptional condition.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge. Four round pillars, silver regulator disk and blued screws.

Signed (Story, London) and numbered (812).

The movement is in excellent condition and is running well.

DIAL : A fine white enamel dial, signed as the movement.

In perfect condition, with fine gold beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Gold, with maker’s mark LM and a fleur de lys.

In excellent condition. The high dome crystal is also fine.

OUTER CASE : In rose and yellow gold, with a wonderful enamel plaque to the back. The enamel is over a guilloche base, with a blue border, and cherubs and doves to the centre.

In very good condition throughout. The gold is perfect, with very little wear and the catch, catch button and hinge are all fine. The enamel is complete with no chips or cracks, and just a little rubbing to the blue border at the top right, with also signs of a repair to this blue border on the right hand side.

Both cases test as solid gold, around 18 ct.

The watch movement and cases are Continental (could be France or Switzerland), so would have been commissioned by Story for retail in London.

PROVENANCE : The Collection of Dr Trevor Hyde, Sydney.