Swiss Gold Verge With Fine Enamel Portrait

An early 19th century Swiss verge in a gold case with a fine enamel portrait on the back.

MOVEMENT : A gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge, large silver regulator disk, and four round pillars.

Signed Bordier Frères A GENEVE.

In quite good condition and running, though fast, gaining about 8 minutes per hour, so the balance spring may have been shortened or replaced. The bush holding the arbor of the fusee is a replacement.

DIAL : Gold dial, with guilloche engraved centre and different colours of gold used for the floral centre and band around the edge. Black enamel numerals.

In good condition, with just a few very light scratches and one tiny piece of gold enamel infill missing to the VI numeral. There is a little wear to the sides of the dal (which fit over the movement plate) around 12.

Matching blued steel hands.

CASE : A gold and enamel case, tested as high carat gold, with a beautiful enamel plaque.

The bezel is plain faceted gold, the band is engine turned, and the back has a matching faceted gold rim, with bue & green enamelled border, engine turned inner section, and finally an off centre, beautifully painted enamel plaque, with pearl border.

The gold is in reasonable condition, though the back section has been reattached to the band (old solder repair visible) using an adhesive which can be seen only from the inside of the case. The bezel does shut but gapes a little.

Fortunately the back itself, with pearl bordered enamel, is in excellent condition.

The high dome crystal is ok with just a few light scratches.

Bordier Frères are listed in Geneva between 1815 and 1820.