597 - Triple-case spindle pocket watch by George Prior, London, England, late 18th/early 19th century; travel case made of brass, inlaid with tortoiseshell using the piqué technique. Repoussé outer case with embossed leaf tendrils. Semi-open, gold-plated brass case, stamped with the case maker’s mark IR. White enamel dial with floral decoration and the maker’s inscription “Prior London,” Ottoman numerals, and “Poker & Beetle” hands. Gold-plated solid-plate movement with spindle escapement, chain, and worm gear; three-arm balance wheel beneath a bridge with openwork floral decoration. Plate signed “Geo. Prior London” with No. 5654. Chatelaine. Total diameter: 68 mm.

Triple-case spindle pocket watch by George Prior, London, England, late 18th/early 19th century; travel case made of brass, inlaid with tortoiseshell using the piqué technique. Repoussé outer case with embossed leaf tendrils. Semi-open, gold-plated brass case, stamped with the case maker’s mark IR. White enamel dial with floral decoration and the maker’s inscription “Prior London,” Ottoman numerals, and “Poker & Beetle” hands. Gold-plated solid-plate movement with spindle escapement, chain, and worm gear; three-arm balance wheel beneath a bridge with openwork floral decoration. Plate signed “Geo. Prior London” with No. 5654. Chatelaine. Total diameter: 68 mm. George Prior came from a renowned family of watchmakers and took over the family business on Prescot Street in London in 1763. He is considered one of the best-known London watchmakers for the Ottoman market. After his death in 1814, his business was taken over by his son Edward. A triple-case verge pocket watch by George Prior, England, London, late 18th/early 19th century. Cases in gilt brass. Mechanical movement with key wind, signed “Geo. Prior London” and no. 5654. Chatelaine.