English automaton with polychrome enamel dial Circa 1809

Silver pair cased automaton verge pocket watch
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An English verge with polychrome enamel dial showing the changing of the guard in silver pair cases circa 1809. Full plate fusee movement with round pillars. Pierced and engraved round cock, gilt regulator on top plate below the plain three-arm steel balance. White enamel dial with Arabic numerals, gilt hands. In the centre of the dial a polychrome enamel scene depicting a stone tower of a fortress with soldiers in red tunics standing to attention beside it. An arched doorway at the base is pierced to reveal an ivory disc with six soldiers painted on it. As the watch runs the soldiers pass the door and so depict the changing of the guard. Silver pair cases, silver oval pendant and bow, maker’s mark MC.
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Signed: Roberts Preston
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A rare subject for the automaton.