English gilt-metal and under-painted horn verge Circa 1790

Gilt metal and under-painted horn pair cased verge watch
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An English gilt metal and under-painted horn pair cased verge watch, circa 1790, gilded full plate movement, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and foliate engraved balance cock with an urn at the neck, flat three-arm balance, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed D. Rutland, London.
White enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, gold beetle and poker hands.
Gilt metal inner case, the back with winding aperture, case maker’s mark J. J. in rectangular cameo possibly for James Jackson • outer case under-painted stained horn with a scene depicting a huntsman in marshland holding up his trophy with his dog beside him, the bezel decorated en suite.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Signed: D. Rutland London
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Watch cases fitted with under-painted horn became a popular genre and a wide range of decorative schemes and scenes can be found. The charming scene to this case depicts a huntsman in a marshland holding a rabbit and with his dog beneath him. Hunting scenes are common, as are sailors with ships, sentries, forts and maidens waiting for the return of their loved ones. A description of the processes and techniques involved in working with horn in this manner can be found in: Cedric Jagger, The Artistry of the English Watch.

A D. Rutland was active in London before 1783.