French gold watch with polychrome enamel scene Circa 1850

Gold open faced verge pocket watch
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A French 18 carat yellow gold open faced pocket watch made by Hubert Lange in Valenciennes, dating from the 19th century. This watch features a manual wound mechanical movement with a traditional verge escapement. The white enamel dial is signed and displays Roman hour markers, an outer minute track featuring Arabic five minute numerals, the minute hand is missing.
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The case features a hinged back cover decorated with a hand painted polychrome enamel miniature depicting a classic 18th century style romantic courtly scene of an elegant young gentleman in a vibrant blue coat and red breeches gesturing toward two finely attired ladies in pastel drapery and pink gowns, set within a lush landscape of green foliage, classical ruins and a soft pastel sky. The inner case lids bear French horsehead gold assay hallmarks, indicating provincial production or verification between 1838 and 1898.
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Diameter: 40 mm
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Weight: 73.5 g
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Signed: Lange à Valenciennes