Underpainted horn verge pocket watch by Barlow, London

A late 18th century London verge, in a horn pair case, underpainted with a seaweed pattern border and floral centre.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance cock and four round pillars. Signed “J. Barlow, London” and numbered “35343”.

In good condition, and working.

DIAL : White enamel dial, in reasonable condition, with some small chips around the centre hole, and a few surface scratches (the most noticeable at 11).
Gold/gilt beetle and poker hands, the minute hand later.

INNER CASE : Gilt brass, with maker’s mark TG under a goose.

Some wear to the gilding but generally in nice condition with no dents.
The bow and stem appear to be original. The high dome, bull’s eye crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : Gilded brass with an underpainted covering. Painted seaweed borders to the bezel and back, and a beautifully painted floral centre.

There is general wear to the gilding, wear to the opening catch button. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The brass of the case is in overall good condition.

The horn covering is incomplete on the bezel, with about 40% of it missing. However on the back there is just a small chip at the catch, two short cracks and just seven pins missing.

The case maker’s mark is for Thomas Gosling (hence the goose). He is recorded at Lilypot Lane, Aldersgate, London, in 1777.