Hunter

A GEORGE II GOLD PAIR-CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH HUNTER, LONDON, 1734 The gilt full plate fusee movement with four square section baluster pillars pinned through the backplate, scroll-pierced stop-iron block and verge escapement regulated by sprung three-arm brass balance with Tompion type regulation, the backplate with fine symmetrical foliate scroll pierced and engraved balance cock with grotesque mask at the junction with the conforming pierced and engraved foot, flanked by silvered regulation disc set within adjacent applied scroll engraved panel infill opposing signature Hunter, LONDON , and numbered 226 , the later circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic quarters to outer track and fine pierced gilt brass hands, the inner case applied with suspension post and bow at twelve o'clock, the second case later with geometric bright-cut bordered moulded rim to circumference and engraved with a monogram within shaped cartouche and foliate scroll quadrant infill to rear, the inner case marked for London 1734 (indistinct makers); the outer probably London 1789 (marks rubbed). The pillar plate 3.6cm (1.375ins) diameter, the inner case 4.2cm (1.675ins) diameter; the outer case 5cm (2ins) diameter. The most likely maker of the current lot is William Hunter who is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World as working in London in 1727. Stylistically the dial can be dated to the end of the 18 th century hence it was probably updated at the same time the present outer case was made for the watch.