Late 18thc. polychrome dial verge pocket watch

A late 18thc. verge watch, in repousse silver and tortoiseshell cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge. Four square pillars and silver regulator disk.

Running well.

Signed Samson, LONDON and numbered 18848.

DIAL : A polychrome enamel dial, with arcaded chapter ring and rural scene to the centre. Good early steel beetle and poker hands

The enamel is a little worn around the edges, with repairs between 12 and 2 and some fading to the chapter ring. The charming painted scene is in fine condition.

INNER CASE : Silver, hallmarked for London 1791 with marker’s mark TP and the movement serial number.

In reasonable condition though with dents and scratches to the inner rim. The hinge is fine and the bezel does closes. The high dome bull’s eye crystal has light scratches but no chips.

MIDDLE CASE : Silver, with repousse decoration showing Diana the Huntress with two further figures.

The silver is in good condition, with just some wear to the high points of the repousse work, but no holes showing through to the back. The hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut correctly. The catch button is squashed down, though still functions.

OUTER CASE : A silver and brass outer case with a shell covering. The bezel and back are both decorated with silver pins.

The hinge and catch are complete and the case closes, though the catch button has worn down.
The shell on the back is complete, though with a couple of long cracks. Some pins missing.
The bezel is missing about half of the shell covering, and again some pins are missing.

Although marked LONDON, this watch is almost certainly of Continental origin, probably made in Switzerland or perhaps France.
The outer case is a good fit for the watch, but appears to be older, probably mid 18thc.