Early London verge by a good maker – C1700

This exquisite London verge pocket watch features a fine movement and is made by a highly regarded craftsman. The gilt verge movement is adorned with intricate engravings and a pierced winged balance cock with a distinctive wide "D" foot. The four tulip pillars, with their unusual wide crested tops, add to the watch's unique charm. The silver regulator disk and blued screws further enhance the movement's beauty. The watch is in excellent working condition, with only minor scratches on the signature. The dial is a silver champleve dial, signed at the center, and is in good condition. The blued steel beetle and poker hands complement the overall design. The watch is housed in a silver inner case with a maker's mark and serial number. The case is in good condition, with slight compression on the band. A small stud next to the winding aperture indicates the original presence of a shutter disk. The bow is a later 18th century replacement. The hinge is intact and the bezel closes securely. Lightly engraved initials "JHB" can be found on the back. The watch also comes with a silver pair case, featuring different maker's marks. The outer case is in very good condition, with a functioning catch, catch button, and hinge. The back of the case is skillfully engraved with the inscription "N. J. Wennberg, 1781." The rounded hinge suggests that the outer case is slightly later in date compared to the inner case by a different maker. This remarkable timepiece is attributed to Johann Bushmann II (also known as John Bushman), a skilled clockmaker who was born in Augsburg and later moved to London. He became a Free Brother in the Clockmakers' Company in 1692 and served as the Assistant in the Company in 1720. The inner case is likely made by John Willoughby of Old Bailey, London.

John Bushman
London
Period: c1700
Silver pair cases, 55 mm.
Verge escapement
Condition: Excellent