Gold and Enamel Consular Verge Fusee Pocket Watch by Thomas Earnshaw, 1781

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A hand-painted polychrome enamel miniature decorates the reverse of this 42 mm gold consular case, portraying classical figures and a … Read more A hand-painted polychrome enamel miniature decorates the reverse of this 42 mm gold consular case, portraying classical figures and a winged cupid within a garden setting. The central plaque is framed by a border of white enamel faux split pearls and a ribbon of translucent crimson enamel laid over an engine-turned ground. Around the outer rim and bezel, delicate champlevé enamel scrollwork in green and red alternates with raised simulated pearls. The unusual consular case is hinged directly at the pendant, while the movement hinges at the three o'clock position. The crisp white enamel dial features slender gold arrow hands and black Arabic numerals positioned radially along an inner track. Winding is accessed directly through the dial between the three and four o'clock numerals, accompanied by an outer minute track of delicate dots and dashes. Subtle edge chipping and fine hairline fractures to the enamel are visible along the lower perimeter between five and seven o'clock. Hinged forward, the case reveals a full-plate fire-gilt mechanism powered by a chain fusee. The balance cock is intricately pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage and a grotesque mask above a silver regulator dial calibrated with Arabic numerals. A plain three-arm polished steel balance oscillates under a blued steel spiral hairspring, secured alongside fire-blued assembly screws. The top plate bears the engraved signature 'Thos Earnshaw, London' alongside the movement number. Hallmarked in London for 1781, this piece demonstrates Earnshaw's craftsmanship in luxury civilian watches alongside the marine chronometers that established his horological fame. The mechanism is reported to be in full working order.
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less