A mid 18th century London verge, in a finely underpainted pair case

A mid 18th century London verge, in a finely underpainted pair case.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, the engraved and pierced balance cock with an engraved bird to the neck. Four square baluster pillars, silver regulator disk and blued screws.

Running well, and in good condition.

Signed “Jon. Abchurch” and numbered “4488”.

DIAL : A fine white enamel dial, in excellent condition, with just a few light surface scratches.

Later blued steel hands.

INNER CASE : Gilt brass.

In good condition, though there is wear to the gilding, especially on the bezel, stem and bow. The stem has been reattached. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : Underpainted horn covering the gilt brass pair case. The painting shows butterflies on a seaweed background.

Again in good condition. The catch is complete and the case snaps shut correctly, though the catch button is worn. The horn is in good condition with no cracks to the back and just one to the bezel. There is only one pin missing on the back and seven from the bezel.

John Abchurch is listed in London from 1760 until about 1775.