Mid 18thc. London verge in gold repousse pair cases

A mid 18th century London pocket watch, in gold repousse pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with engraved and pierced balance cock. Four very unusual and ornate pillars and silver regulator disk.

The balance cock table is stabilised by a small steel post. This is a feature occasionally seen on mid 18thc. London watches.

Signed R. Smart, London, and numbered 3791.

Scratches around the pillar tops, but otherwise all in good condition, and running well.

DIAL : A white enamel dial.

In very good condition, with no chips or hairlines, and just a few light scratches.
This dial is a slightly later replacement, probably from the early 19thc.

Gold hands, both a little short.

INNER CASE : 22ct. gold, with hallmarks for London, 1772. Maker’s mark L.H below O. In good condition but with some light bruises to the back.

The bow and stem (also tested as gold) appear to be original.

The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is good.

OUTER CASE : A gold (tested) repousse pair case, decorated with a Classical scene showing five figures, the female seated with a dog at her feet.

In good condition, though with the usual wear to the high points, mainly to the figures. The catch, catch button and hinge are fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The catch button and catch spring are probably replacements.

The case maker is probably John Hardy of Bridgewater Square, London whose mark is I.H below O.

The gold cases, excluding crystal weight about 42.5 gms.