Unusual name dial verge

A good late 18thc verge, with a very unusual and interesting personalised dial.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with nicely engraved and pierced balance cock, and engraved plate. Blued steel regulator disk (transitional type) and blued screws. Four baluster pillars.

Signed and numbered (509).

The movement is in good condition though there is an old solder repair to the neck of the balance cock (causing the slight discolouration to the gilding). It is running well.

DIAL : Beautiful white enamel dial, with owner’s name (GEORGE W T L DAY) spelled out instead of numerals and a ‘compass points’ pattern from the centre.

In good condition, with three very light hairlines from the centre and a few minor surface scratches.

Excellent 18th century gold beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with hallmarks for Birmingham, 1793, maker’s mark HH.

Good condition though the bow is slightly distorted. The hinge has lost a sleeve, but the bezel snaps shut correctly.

The high dome crystal is in good condition.

OUTER CASE : Silver pair case with matching hallmarks to the inner.

In good condition, with just a couple of small nicks to the bezel (at the catch) and the catch button has been worn down. The hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut nicely.

Henry Bannister is listed in Lichfield, Staffordshire between about 1760 and 1801.

The case maker’s mark is for Henry Harding of Wells Street, Coventry.