London silver repousse pair cased verge

A mid 18thc. Provincial watch, in silver repousse pair cases.

MOVEMENT : A very good quality gilt movement with a verge escapement, and engraved and pierced balance cock, showing scrolls and a bird at the neck. A very large diamond endstone, four square pillars, silver regulator disk and blued screws.

Signed John Baker, Hull and numbered 410.

The movement is protected by a signed gilt removable dustcap. All in good condition, though with scratches around the pillar tops. It is running well.

DIAL : White enamel dial, in good condition., with no repairs, but one light hairline running from the centre towards 12, and just a few small scratches (near the numeral 4 and on the edge at 5).

Blued steel hands (later).

INNER CASE : Silver, with London hallmarks for 1768, and maker’s mark TL.

In good condition throughout, though the stem has been reattached. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : A silver repousse pair case, decorated with a Classical scene showing three figures (two standing soldiers and a seated female).

In good condition, with a little wear to the high points of the repousse work, but no holes. There is an old repair to the bezel at 3. The catch and hinge are fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The catch button is slightly dented and the catch spring is a replacement.

John Baker is listed in Hull from about 1760 until about 1790. He made some fine clocks which still exist.

The case maker is probably Thomas Layton of Dean Street, London.