Underpainted horn cased verge

A London verge watch, in very attractive gilt and horn pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance cock, four round baluster pillars and silver regulator disk. Blues screws.

Running well, and in good condition.

Signed “Jas.Williams, London” and numbered (13415).

DIAL : A white enamel dial, in very good condition. Gold hands.

INNER CASE : Gilt brass.

In good condition though the gilding is worn on the outer surfaces. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is also fine.

OUTER CASE : Gilt brass pair case with underpainted horn covering, decorated with seaweed and butterflies, with gold highlights.

In good condition. The hinge, catch and button are complete and the case snaps shut. Again the gilding shows some wear.
The horn has a couple of short fine cracks, some scratches and some rubbing. Most of the pique pins are missing but the horn covering is attached firmly with no distortion.

There is a James Williams listed in London after 1785 and another (probably the same person) listed at Goodge Street, London in 1794.