This is a very rare example of a ‘name’ dial where the original owner’s name is used instead of the hours on the chapter ring. These were more common at the end of the 18th century on enamel dials. In this case the date and place are also marked on the dial.

MOVEMENT : Signed (Jno. Stripe, Chichester) and numbered (1694) gilt brass verge movement, with four square pillars, wonderfully engraved and pierced balance cock and plate, blued screws and large silver regulator disc. In complete and good condition. Running well.

DIAL : Silver champleve dial, with owner’s name ‘JOHN HAMMOND’ spelt out in place of numbers. The date (1752) and place (Havant) are engraved on the central disk. Nice 18th century steel beetle and poker hands. The silver champleve dial is invery nice condition.

INNER CASE : No hallmarks and a rubbed maker’s mark. The pendant has been reattached and the area around the neck has been reinforced. Otherwise fine. The hinge is good and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome bull’e eye crystal has a few small chips right on the bezel but otherwise is fine.

OUTER CASE : Again no maker’s marks. The hinge, catch and catch button are fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. There are signs of old repairs to the back of the case, which has been nicely engraved with the owner’s initial (IH for John Hammond) and the date (1767).

John Stripe is listed in Chichester between 1742 and 1748.

Havant is a small town in Hampshire, only 10 miles from Chichester.