274 - John Barnes - English Verge Watch

John Barnes - English Verge Watch (*) London pair-cased verge pocket watch Movm. No. 374, Dimensions 51 mm, circa 1770, Weight 124 g, Origin England Case: Outer case - silver, smooth, engraved heraldic animal. Inner case - silver, smooth, engraving "John Barnes". Dial: Enamel. Movm.: Fine full plate movement, chain/fusee, three-arm steel balance. John Barnes was a watchmaker and -dealer in late 18th-century London (active around 1780), with a workshop in Clerkenwell, the historic London district which at the time was a well-known centre for watchmakers, engravers and craftsmen. He was as a trainer (master) of watchmaking apprentices; it is recorded, for example, that notable watchmakers such as William Travers learned the craft from Barnes. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.