German early silver pre-balance spring watch Circa 1660

Silver pre-balance spring verge watch
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An astronomical German silver pre-balance spring pocket watch, circa 1660.
A silver polished case. Dial, gilt, very finely florally engraved mask, silver date ring with Arabic numerals, silver chapter ring with Arabic numerals for moon age, disc for moon phase, chapter ring with Roman hours and segment-shaped aperture for indication of the day regent and symbol of its planet, iron hands. Full plate movement, firegilt, signed, applied blued pierced click work, florally engraved and pierced balance cock, iron balance without balance spring, baluster-shaped movement pillars, gut/fusee, verge escapement.
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Diameter: 46 mm
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Weight: 74 g
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Signed: Johan May, Coln an der Spre
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In the 13th century Coln an der Spre was located on an island in the Spree in Brandenburg – it was the sister town of Old Berlin. The name is now archaic and the island sits in the very heart of Berlin – its northern part being known as the Museumsinsel (museum island).