Early London Verge

Early London verge in silver pair cases

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced winged balance cock, featuring a mask on the neck and scrolls above. Four very finely made crested tulip pillars.

Signed Jno. Barrow, London and numbered 376.

In good condition, though one of the pillar tops has the tip missing and there is some rubbing to the centre of the balance cock table. Running well.

DIAL : Fine silver champleve dial, with central disk signed as the movement.

In good condition throughout. Reproduction blued steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, marked with the movement serial number (376).

In good condition, except around the neck where there are a couple of short cracks. These have been repaired by the addition of a steel plate riveted to the inside of the case. The bow (and possibly stem) is a later replacement. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly, just leaving a slight gap at the top. The high dome crystal is also good.

OUTER CASE : Silver, with no maker’s mark.

The hinge and catch are fine and the case closes correctly. There are some bruises and scratches to the bezel, but generally in good condition.

John Barrow is listed in London from 1671, apprenticed to Francis Ireland and was free from 1681 when he worked at The Heritage, London. He died in 1719.