Champleve verge by William Cleeter, London

Stock No. 1491

William Cleeter
London, c1705
Silver pair cases, 57 mm
Verge escapement

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A large, early English verge with original champleve dial, in silver pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, the engraved and pierced winged balance cock with wide ‘D’ shaped foot and engraved mask. Four crested Egyptian pillars and large silver regulator disk.

Signed “WILL. CLEETER, LONDON”. In good condition and working.

DIAL : Silver champleve dial, in very good condition. Signed “CLEETER, LONDON” on the central disc, below a winged cherub and two birds to the sides.

Good early 18th century steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with no hallmarks, but maker’s mark RB.

In good condition, though the pendant has been reattached and the hinge sleeves are worn (one broken). However the hinge is still strong and the bezel snaps shut correctly.

The high dome bull’s eye crystal has just one small chip, right on the bezel at 9.

OUTER CASE : Silver pair case, with matching maker’s mark to the inner. Large square hinge.

In good condition throughout, with just a few very small dents and a short slit at the stem.
The hinge, catch button and catch are fine and the case closes correctly.

William Cleeter is listed in London from 1700, and in the Clockmakers’ Company in 1709.

The case maker is probably Richard Blundell.