Continental gold lapis lazuli verge watch with chatelaine Circa 1750

Gold verge with matching chatelaine
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A gold, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl and paste-set pair cased verge watch made for the Dutch market with matching chatelaine, crank key and fob seal, circa 1750. The watch showcases a gilded full plate movement with verge escapement, a decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, a silver regulation plate, turned baluster pillars, fusee and chain. It bears Arned, London’s signature and features a gold champlevé dial with Roman numerals and red paste-set half-hour markers. The arcaded outer minute ring, blued steel hands, and a banner engraved with London complete the design.
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It has two cases: an inner case made of gold, featuring the British Royal Arms on the back decorative engravings of scrolling foliage, birds, dogs, and a grotesque mask at the base. The outer case has a central lapis lazuli panel surrounded by pastes, with four reserves each containing a lapis lazuli panel and surrounded by chased and engraved decorations. The outer and inner cases bear the maker’s mark N.F. beneath a crown incuse, with the outer case also featuring a bezel decorated with a female bust, a dog, a dragonfly, and a bird between the lapis panels, all underlaid with mother-of-pearl and a pulse piece between 8 and 9 o’clock.
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The chatelaine is crafted from gold and gilt metal, with four central panels made of mother-of-pearl, each adorned with a lapis lazuli roundel at the centre. Surrounding the panels are intricate scrolling gold borders embellished with pastes. The chatelaine also features two side pendant chains, one ending with a crank key and the other with a fob set with lapis lazuli. The pendant clip is decorated in a matching style.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Signed: Arned, London
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The movement is not running and the gilding is tarnished and dull. The repeater function is not operating, and there are some cracks and scratches on the mother-of-pearl. The dial has light scratches, and there are areas where the black wax is lacking in the text and numerals. Additionally, there is rust on the hands. The case has some light rubbing on the decoration, and there are visible solder repairs on the chatelaine panel links. The mount for the fob seal is gilt metal and likely be added later. Furthermore, some of the settings for the pastes on the chatelaine are worn.