Gilt & tortoiseshell pair cased verge

A fine 18thc., gilt and shell/horn pair cased verge, in very good overall condition.

MOVEMENT : Silver plated movement with verge escapement, the balance cock finely engraved and pierced with fish, foliage, with a mask to the neck. Silver regulator disk, blued steel screws, and four square baluster pillars.

Signed (Richd. Bell, LONDON) and numbered (122).

Unusually the movement (balance cock, plates, pillars) has been silver plated, with just a hint of the gilding showing through.

The movement is in very good condition and is running well.

DIAL : A fine white enamel dial.

In excellent condition, with just some light surface scratches.

Wonderful matching gold beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver gilt, with maker’s mark RB (Richard Bell ?).

Good condition throughout, though with wear to the gilding on the outside, but still bright inside. The stem and bow are gilt brass and have been reattached.
The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome, bull’s eye crystal is perfect.

OUTER CASE : An unusual gilt and shell pair case. Engraved gilt with shell panel inset into the back.

In very good condition. The catch, catch button and hinge are all fine and the bezel snaps shut. Just wear to the gilding on the button.

The shell panel has a few scratches, but no chips or cracks. Good colour. It has shrunk slightly, leaving a small gap between the shell and the metal rim. But held in place firmly.