Late 18th verge by Richard Tompion

A late 18th century London verge watch, in silver pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilt fusee movement, with verge escapement, engraved and pierced balance cock, four round baluster pillars, and silver regulator disk. Blued screws.

Running well, and in good condition, though with scratches around the pillar tops and signature.

Signed “Richd. Tompion, Liverpool” and numbered (3801).

DIAL : A white enamel dial, in reasonable condition. Some nibbles around the edge, mainly between 3 and 5, and a hairline from the edge at 4. The dial is slightly loose on the dial false plate, so could be a replacement.

Good 18th century blued steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with hallmarks for Birmingham, 1792 and maker’s mark HH.

In good condition. The hinge has a couple of worn sleeves, the bezel snaps shut correctly. The bow is not silver, so probably a replacement. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine.

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

In very good condition. The hinge, catch and button are complete and the case snaps shut. .

Richard Tompion is listed in Liverpool between 1790 and 1802.

The case maker is probably Henry Harding of Birmingham.