English fine silver pair cased verge pocket watch Circa 1778

Fine silver pair cased verge watch
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An English fine silver pair cased verge watch, circa 1778, gilt full plate movement, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, square baluster pillars, fusee and chain • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute track, blued steel beetle and poker hands and counterpoised seconds hand, polished silver plain case, the back of the outer case engraved with the arms of Johnstone of Annandale and Fairholm, case maker’s mark IA for Joseph Allanson, movement signed Norm Macpherson Edinburgh
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Diameter: 68 mm
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Signed: Norm Macpherson Edinburgh

The earldom of Annandale and Hartfell went into abeyance at the end of the 18^th century and was then later reclaimed in 1985. Of particular note on this watch is the seconds ring which intersects the lower hour division, with counter-poised seconds hand.

Macpherson, who is recorded as both Normand and Norman, was apprenticed to Andrew Dickie senior in 1749.  He became a Freeman of the Edinburgh Hammermen in 1764.