Mid 18thc. shagreen pair cased pocket watch

A mid 18th century London watch, with a fine verge movement, in gilt and shagreen pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilt fusee movement, with verge escapement, beautifully engraved and pierced balance cock with a fine mask to the neck and scrolls and foliage to the table. The regulator pointer is formed as serpent. Four square pillars, blued screws and silver regulator disk.

Signed Thos. Hill, LONDON and numbered 208.

All in very good condition and running well.

DIAL : A white enamel dial, in reasonable condition, though with some damage around the edge (filled at 6). There are 2 light hairlines running across the dial from 11.

Gilt brass hands (later).

INNER CASE : Gilt brass, with no maker’s marks.

The metal of the case is in good condition with one small dent on the bezel, but there is some wear to the gilding, especially to the sides. The hinge is fine and the bezel closes correctly. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is good.

OUTER CASE : Gilt metal, covered with shagreen.

The shagreen is in good condition, with a nice green colour. There are a few small areas of wear, but generally good. There is even wear to the gilt rims.

The hinge, catch and catch button are good, and the bezel snaps shut correctly.