Mid 18thc. verge with maker’s name reversed

A London verge watch, in gilt and shell pair cases, with the maker’s name probably signed in reverse.

MOVEMENT : Gilt fusee movement, with verge escapement, engraved and pierced balance cock, four square baluster pillars and silver regulator disk. The balance cock shows foliage above a mask at the neck, with a pierced lace edge.

Signed Wm. Ekral, London and numbered 3976.

Running well, and in good condition throughout.

The lace edge decoration to the balance cock was a popular form of decoration for London makers, but only used for a short period between about 1750 and 1770.

DIAL : A white enamel dial, in excellent condition, with just a few small scratches around the centre. Later blued steel hands.

INNER CASE : Gilt brass. Stamped with marker’s mark RR.

In very good condition with hardly any wear to the gilding. The bow and stem appear to be original. The bezel snaps shut correctly, though the right hand outer sleeve on the hinge is absent. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : Gilt brass pair case with tortoiseshell covering.

In good condition. The hinge, catch button and catch are complete and the case snaps shut. The gilding on the button has worn off.

The horn has just 2 very small pieces missing from the bezel, but the back is complete. There are a few short cracks from the edges and a longer one on the back from the hinge. Just one pique pin missing from the back and three from the bezel. The shell itself retains a good colour.

It was not uncommon during the second half of the 18thc. for some watchmakers to sign some, or all of their watches in reverse. So this signature Ekrsal is probably that of William Larke.