19th century clockwatch

A quite rare and substantial, early19th century silver verge watch, striking on the hour and half hour.

MOVEMENT : A large gilt movement with verge escapement and gilt pierced and engraved balance bridge. Two mainsprings, for movement and strike.

On the side of the case, a lever enables the strike to be disabled. The hours (one strike for each hour) and half hours (single strike) are struck by a polished steel hammer on a single gong.

A button on the top of the stem allows the previous hours to be repeated. A slide on the band at 2 allows the repeat to be disabled.

The movement is in good condition, and is running well and striking correctly.

DIAL : White enamel dial.

In very good condition, with just some very minor scratches and some small flakes around the indent at 2 which allows the strike lever to be accessed.

Steel serpentine hands.

CASE : The silver case has a ribbed band, but otherwise plain.
Maker’s mark CHFB and serial numbers 23 and 20315 stamped on the inside of the cover.

Gilt sprung cuvette, with winding apertures for movement and strike.

The case is in good condition, with just a few light scratches and one bruise on the edge of the back cover at 11. The high dome crystal is fine. All hinges are fine and the bezel, back cover and cuvette all close correctly.

PROVENANCE : From the collection of David G. Newsom.