English pair cased half quarter repeating watch Circa 1740

Gold open faced pocket watch by James Snelling
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A fine English pair cased half quarter repeating verge pocket watch by this eminent London watchmaker, circa 1740. The watch consists of two cases. The outer case is 18K gold with pierced edges adorned with foliate decorations. It features a repoussé design depicting Jupiter and Juno and has a large lateral hinge. The inner case is also made of 18K gold with pierced sides engraved with a town view, a mascaron, and foliate decorations. The back side of the inner case is decorated with an engraved sunflower. The watch has a rear bell and a lever to set the strike or not strike for the striking train. The movement protection cap is signed. The enamel dial has radial Roman hours, Arabic minutes, and blued steel Poker and beetle hands. The watch has a fine full plate movement, keywind, fire gilt finish, and applied engraved ornaments. It features a chain/fusee mechanism, two hammers, solid, rounded movement pillars, and a three-arm brass balance. The balance bridge is florally engraved and pierced, and it has a chatoned diamond endstone on the balance.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Weight: 121 g
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Signed: J(ames) Snelling, London