English pair cased verge with outer repoussé case Circa 1720

Fine gold open faced pocket watch by George Etherington
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A fine English pair cased verge pocket watch with outer repoussé case Alexander and Roxana, circa 1720. Two cases: outer case – gold, repoussé, depiction of Alexander and Roxana, volute decor, à goutte, five-piece lateral hinge; inner case – gold, polished, case maker’s punch mark ID. Enamel dial with radial Roman hours, Arabic minutes and Fleur de Lys gold hands. Fire gilt, keywind and signed full plate movement with applied florally engraved and pierced ornaments, chain/fusee, moulded baluster pillars, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance and engraved pierced balance cock with a cupid’s face.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 109 g
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Signed: Geo. Etherington, London
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Alexander and Roxana
Roxana was the daughter of a Sogdian noble (in today’s Uzbekistan). Legend has it that she was the only woman Alexander ever truly loved. He made Roxana his wife after seeing her dance at a banquet; the marriage secured peace between Europe and Asia.