Stock No. : 0903
James Leicester
London, c1730
Gold repousse pair cases
Verge movement
Sold
A fine early London verge, in wonderful gold repousse pair cases, with gilt chatelaine.
MOVEMENT : Very fine gilt verge movement, with beautifully engraved and pierced balance cock and plate, diamond endstone, silver regulator plate and blued screws. Signed and numbered (235).
The movement is protected by a removable locking silver dustcap, which is signed as the movement. All in good original condition and running well.
DIAL : White enamel, in good condition with just a few flakes around the centre hole, a small hairline on the edge between 6 and 7, and a repair around the catch at 6. Nice old matching fancy gold hands, which have been repaired. The dial is a later replacement, probably added during the mid 18th century.
INNER CASE : Rubbed hallmarks for 22ct gold but the year and maker’s mark not visible. There are a few light bruises around the band but in overall good condition. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. Good high dome bull’s eye crystal with no damage.
OUTER CASE : A fine repousse case with wonderful detail. Good gauge 22ct gold with no hallmarks. The catch and hinge are good and the case snaps shut nicely. There is a little wear to the high points of the repousse work, but no holes, splits, repairs or other damage. The catch button has been compressed but is complete.
CHATELAINE : 84 mm long and 41 mm wide. Gilt brass. Excellent condition with very little wear and no damage.
The weight of the gold cases, including crystal, is 66 gms.
James Leicester is listed in London from 1710 until his bankruptcy in 1729.