About this lot

Description

George Prior, London - An 18th century pair cased pocket watch,

circa 1775, the outer cover activated by push button, verso hinged at 9 o'clock, plain and polished, open faced pocket watch with signed white dial, 42mm diameter, black Eastern Arabic numerals, blued moon hands and dot minute track with black Eastern Arabic indicators under a convex crystal, front loading gilt full plate movement, signed G. PRIOR LONDON 12354, pierced and engraved winged balance cock with mascaron at the neck, verge escapement with chain fusée, silvered regulation and 4 pinned square baluster pillars, inner case, 48mm diameter with stirrup shaped pendant bow, verso plain and polished with winding aperture, interior with very indistinct hallmarks, probably for Sterling silver, metal tests as silver, presented with the winding key

George Prior (1750 - 1825) was a famous London watchmaker who specialised in timepieces for the Ottoman market. His watches, as with this example, are usually in multiple cases and often feature Eastern Arabic numerals.

Case -

Outer case - Opens and closes satisfactorily, and the hinge does not appear strained. Some minor surface scratches dents and dings to the case back as to be expected.

Inner case - Some dents, scuffs and dings together with light creasing around the rim. Evidence of a repair at the junction of the stem and the case.


Dial - In good condition. No obvious evidence of damage, chips or cracks.

Movement - In running order, though not tested for timekeeping or endurance.

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