Cogs and Pieces

Description

William Crayton, London, 1766
Gold repousse pair cases, 47 mm.
Cylinder conversion movement

MOVEMENT : Gilt movement, with 'lace' edged, pierced balance cock, four square pillars and blued steel screws. Interesting cylinder escapement, converted from a lever, with the regulator arm fixed to the top of the modified balance cock. Signed (Wm. Crayton, London) and numbered (2039). Running well.

It is very unusual to find verge escapements converted to cylinders, and more common to find the conversion to levers. The dial plate has the date 1804 scratched on it, so this is probably the date of the conversion.

DIAL : White enamel dial, in good condition, with some scratches around the centre hole and a chip around the opening catch at 6. Very good 18th century blued steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : 22ct gold, with London hallmarks for 1766, maker's mark IW (rubbed).

In good condition, with some wear to the top of the stem, and a small indentation on the back left by a later heavy gold mark (French or Dutch import stamp ?).

The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The high dome bull's eye crystal is also fine.

OUTER CASE : 22ct. gold repousse pair case, decorated with a scene depicting Britannia with other figures paying homage. In excellent condition, with only slight wear to the high points and no holes. The catch button is complete with just a couple of dents. The catch and hinge are fine and the bezel snaps shut though with a slight gap.

The gold cases weigh 40 gms. excluding crystal.

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