George Prior Ottoman verge

Stock No. 1710

George Prior
London, c1790
Gilt pair cases, 43 mm.
Verge escapement

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A small English verge, with original enamel dial with Turkish numerals, in gilt pair cases, made for the Ottoman market.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance cock. Four very ornate crested tulip pillars and large silver regulator disk. Signed in Arabic and numbered (23511).

In good condition, thought with a some small repairs to the balance cock. Running well.

DIAL : White enamel dial, signed “GEORGE PRIOR” and with Turkish numerals.

In good condition, with just some light scratches and some damage around the centre hole. No repairs.

Good 18th century steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Gilt brass, with, maker ‘s mark IR, and the movement serial number (23511).

In good condition, except for one sleeve of the hinge which has broken (though the movement is held correctly by the remaining parts of the hinge. The high dome crystal is fine and the bezel closes correctly. The gilding shows very little wear.

OUTER CASE : Gilt brass pair case with engraved rims and back. Turkish military symbols to the back and stamped with partial movement serial number (511).

In very good condition. The hinge, catch button and catch are fine and the case closes correctly. Again the gilding shows very little wear.

George Prior is listed in London between 1765 and 1812. Like his son Edward, who succeeded him, Prior specialized in watches for the Eastern market and was making verge watches of 18th century style, still popular in this market, into the 19th century.

George Prior