London Watch With Unusual Polychrome Dial

A late 18thc. verge watch, with a nicely painted polychrome dial showing the three main characters from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte – Columbine, Harlequin and Pierrot.

MOVEMENT : This is a gilt verge movement, with a very well engraved and pierced balance cock showing a mask to the neck. Four round pillars, Tompion type regulator and blued steel screws.

All in reasonable condition with a few scratches around the pillar tops. At least one of the feet of the dial false plate has been replaced (though the plate itself appears to be original) and these are slightly long resulting in the movement plate being not quite flush against the falseplate.  Running well.

Signed J. Drawtag (Gatward in reverse) and numbered 1001.

DIAL : A polychrome enamel dial, showing the characters from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte, in a pastoral scene.

In very good condition, with no cracks or repairs, and just a little rubbing on the edge between 11 and 1, and few light scratches..

Gilt brass hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with hallmarks for London, 1780, maker’s mark Ib (rubbed). Nicely engraved on the back with an owner’s name J SUMMARSE, and dated 1798.

In reasonable condition, but with damage (dents and a hole) just under the catch. Otherwise ok. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The high dome crystal is good.

OUTER CASE : A heavy silver pair case, with hallmarks for London, 1797, maker’s mark HT (rubbed). Engraved on the back with a very monogram.

The silver is in very good condition. The hinge, catch button and catch are fine and the case snaps shut correctly. Just a few light scratches.

This watch is probably by Joseph Gatward who is listed in London in 1790.