English verge watch with polychrome enamel Circa 1855

Silver verge watch with polychrome enamel painted dial
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An English amusing silver pair cased verge watch with polychrome enamel painted dial, circa 1855, gilded full plate movement, verge escapement, pierced and engraved masked balance cock, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed F. Lawrence, Louth.
White enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, the dial with polychrome enamel painted scene of farm-workers in a cart driven by two horses.
Plain silver inner and outer case, winding aperture to inner case back, Regency pendant, both cases with maker’s mark IW incuse for John Williams or John Weston.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed:  F. Lawrence Louth
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Painted dials depicting pastoral and usually idealized countryside views became fashionable in the second half of the 18th-century. Almost exclusively found on provincially made watches, the popularity of painted dials of this type ensured their continuing production well into the 19th century. The scenes often suggest a witty narrative; in this instance, the viewer is encouraged to wonder that the haymakers are only in a hurry since their working day is over, and they are doubtless heading for the pub. In truth, life had become increasingly hard for labourers during the period, with the removal of grain import controls and duties.  See: Terence Camerer Cuss. The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 402.