Early 18th. London Verge

This is an early English verge escapement watch, in a leather covered gilt consular case.

MOVEMENT : Gilded fusee verge movement, with engraved and pierced winged balance cock. Four Egyptian pillars. The balance cock is engraved with a mask to the neck and fish among sc rolls to the top. Four very unusual crested pillars.

This movement has an unusual feature, occasionally seen in London watches of the period. The balance cock table incorporates two small screwed down brackets at the top, allowing the table to be stabilized.

Signed William Rooker, London

All in very good original condition and running well.

DIAL : A fine silver champleve dial, in very good condition throughout.

Good 18thc. blued steel beetle and poker hands, in excellent condition.

CASE : Gilt copper (or brass) with no maker’s mark. Covered in green leather. Sliding cover to the winding aperture.

In good condition though the gilding is worn, but the leather is complete except for a small repaired are around the stem. The high dome, bull’s eye crystal is fine.

William Rooker is listed in London in about 1725.