Liverpool verge with silver portrait balance

A silver pair cased verge, with an unusual silver portrait balance cock.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with unusual silver balance cock, showing a portrait in profile. Four square pillars.

Signed Wm. Garner, LIVERPOOL.

The movement is good condition, and is running well.

DIAL : White enamel dial.

In average condition, with one light hairline from the centre and some chips around the centre aperture. Some fading to the hour numbers.

18th century steel beetle and poker hour hand with a later minute hand.

INNER CASE : Silver, with hallmarks rubbed.

In good condition with just one light bruise to the back.
The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.

The high dome bull’s eye crystal is also in good condition.

OUTER CASE : Silver pair case, again with no marks and in poor condition.

There are a significant old repair to the upper part of the back, reinforced by a metal plate added to the inside of the case. There is wear to the rim of the bezel, and the catch button is dented. The hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut nicely.

There are three generations of William Garners listed in Lancashire during the 18th century. William Garner II is listed at Bold and Cronton in Lancashire until his death in 1794. Both of these places are close to Liverpool.