Tompion and Banger Pocket Watch

A fine verge watch, by Thomas Tompion and partner Edward Banger, in leather covered gilt pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge escapement movement.

Signed T TOMPION, E BANGER, LONDON and numbered 3161.

Four finely made split tulip pillars and a very well engraved winged balance cock, with a small mask to the centre and a bird on either side. Blued screws.

All in very good condition throughout and running well.

The movement shows some features typical of Tompion’s work. The balance wheel has a reeded rim, the hairspring pin is of rectangular profile (rather than round) and the movement number (3161) is stamped on the dial plate and balance cock, in addition to the top plate

DIAL : A fine white enamel dial. Although a slightly later replacement (probably mid 18thc.), the dial false plate appears to be original, with no additional holes, so this enamel dial was probably made specially for the movement.

In good condition, with a few light scratches, and an almost invisible hairline from the centre towards the edge at 6.

Good early blued steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Gilt brass case, with no discernible makers mark.

In good condition. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is good and the gilding is still present except for some wear to the stem and bow. The hinge is good and the bezel snaps shut.

OUTER CASE : A leather covered gilt case.

Again in good condition throughout. The catch button is worn but the catch is fine so the bezel snaps shut. There is a crack to one of the sleeves of the hinge but the hinge is still strong and intact.  The leather covering is complete and in good condition to both bezel and back. The gilt ornamented pins are also complete.

REFERENCE : This watch is listed in “Thomas Tompion 300 Years” by Jeremy Evans, Jonathan Carter & Ben Wright. This excellent book includes lists of movement serial numbers for Tompion.

Thomas Tompion