Lot 285

Mercier, Paris/London, 47 mm, 83 g, circa 1753
A remarkable French pair-cased verge pocket watch with magnificent "repoussé" decoration
Case: outer case - 22K gold, "repoussé" decoration. Inner case - 22k gold. Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, five-arm brass balance.
The case is French, the guild of Paris’ mark "O" for 1753-1754 has been stamped in the inner cover. Brian Loomes lists a Franciscus Mercier in the late 17th century, who moved from Paris to London and signed "Mercerius".
The chased and engraved outer case is of supreme quality and decorated with a variety of scenes: In the centre of the back a Roman soldier with bow and quiver stands, with his arm raised, next to a well. Two swans, the philosopher Socrates or Plato, a hunting scene and the profile portrait of a gentlemen wearing period costume with a tricorn hat, powdered wig and a frock - all images are depicted in cartouches with volute ornaments around the edge of the case. The bezel on the front is reminiscent of the work done by the brothers Huaut - castle ruins, farmsteads, a bridge, a squirrel and a swan in alpine landscapes.