Miniature Vienna enamelled verge with bronze holder

A very rare, miniature 18thc. Austrian verge watch, in a wonderful enamelled silver case, complete with a charming cold painted bronze holder.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge and four round pillars.

In very good condition and running well.

Signed J. Rueschman (possibly – hard to decipher), in Wien.

DIAL : A very unusual silver and coloured enamel dial.

In good condition, with just some of the orange coloured enamel missing from the centre.

Fancy gilt hands.

CASE : A silver exhibition case, glazed to the front and back. Coloured enamel decoration to both bezels and the bow. Very high dome crystals to back and front.

In generally good condition, though there is an old repair to the hinge, and some small pieces of enamel are missing, mainly from the bow. The crystal on the front is a synthetic replacement.

HOLDER : The watch holder is formed by a cold painted bronze figure, in 17thc. dress, standing on a malachite plinth, above a further decorated plinth with four feet below. There are hanging hooks in each hand to hold the watch and key.

All in very good condition, with possibly some repainting on the lower legs and shoes, and a little wear to the painting on the back of the hat.

Vienna was famous from the 18thc. onwards for cold painted bronze figures, as well as enamel decoration. This little watch was made in Vienna, so has possibly always been with the holder.