Early 18thc. London Verge

An early London verge, by this prestigious maker, in good original condition.

MOVEMENT : A gilded movement with four large, divided Egyptian pillars, an exceptionally finely pierced and engraved winged balance cock, with masks to the neck and top of the table. Reeded steel balance wheel and large silver regulator disk.

The movement is signed Thos. Windmills, London, and both movement plates are engraved with the serial number 3028.

In good condition, though there are some old solder marks to the mainspring barrel. Running well.

DIAL : A fine silver champleve dial, signed WINDMILLS, LONDON.

In very good condition.

18thc. steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : No hallmarks, but marked with the movement serial number 3028. and slightly worn maker’s mark W.I.

In good condition. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut (with a slight gap). The stem has been reattached and the bow is slightly distorted. There are 2 small round holes on the rim at 6 and 7 (not sure of the purpose) and some light bruises to the back.

The high dome crystal has a few light scratches.

OUTER CASE : Silver, with matching maker’s mark and serial number to the inner.

The hinge is fine but the catch spring has lost the tip, so the bezel does not snap shut.

There are a few light bruises to both bezel and back, but the silver is in generally good condition.

Thomas Windmills

W.I is the mark of William Jaques, watch case maker, born c. 1665, Free in the Clockmakers’ Company 1687, died 1719. Jaques was one of the leading casemakers in London at the end of the 17th century and was one of the more prolific workshops of the time, making cases for makers such as Joseph & Thomas Windmills, Simon Decharmes and John Bushman.