Gilt-brass and rock-crystal cased verge watch in the form of a crucifix [dial and case not original]

Description — British Museum

Movement frame: Cruciform gilt-brass plates with engraved decoration on the arms, head and foot of the potence-plate. Four baluster pillars. Pillar-plate hinged to the case at XII. the central area of the pillar-plate is cut away and traversed by a separate bridge. Mainspring & set-up: Gilt-brass barrel with snap-in cap and riveted steel hook. Tangent-screw set-up, the worm gear held by two cut steel foliate brackets, the left hand one broken and partly missing. The silver index disc and steel indicator are also missing. Fusee & stop-work: Gilt brass fusee with chain and English stop-work, the fusee of large diameter for the size of the watch. Train: Three wheel going train, the second wheel and contrate pinion recessed into the pillar-plate and running in a separate bridge. Escapement & balance: Verge escapement, the crown wheel running between riveted potence and counter potence. There have been modifications to the potence and the verge and balance, as well as the balance spring and index on the plain balance cock are all later alterations. Dial & hand: The pillar-plate is gilded on the dial side and engraved with the Instruments of the Passion. Over the transept of the cross is a screwed-on silver dial of 19th century date. The hand is now missing. CASE: Cruciform case with hinged lid, the gilt-brass rims of the case and bezel are embossed and engraved. The rock-crystal body and glazed lid are probably of 19th century date. Gilt-brass embossed pendant with loose ring, also embossed.

Curator's comments — British Museum

The movement appears to be original but has undergone some alterations. It is possible that originally the pillar-plate was solid, without the separate bridge. The fusee may also be a later replacement. The present dial is deeply recessed at the back to clear the very proud great wheel arbor with its pinion of report. The four holes for the original dial feet are still present. It is possible that the complete case is of 19th century date.