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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Triple-cased verge pocket watch

Edward Prior Triple-Cased Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This triple-cased verge pocket watch is attributed to Edward Prior, London, circa 1780, and is designed for the Turkish market. The timepiece features an inner silver case housing a gilt movement that is intricately engraved with scrolling foliate openwork and fitted with blued screws. A small enamel regulator dial is positioned on the backplate, which bears the maker’s signature and the serial number 9978. The middle case, also constructed of silver, contains the movement and features original pinned hinges. The outermost protective case is fashioned from tortoiseshell and features pressed radiating decoration on the reverse, with an exterior surface adorned with circular patterns of white metal studs. Inside, the watch displays a white enamel dial with Turkish-style numerals and ornate pierced hands, framed by a bezel of tortoiseshell and gilt. The outer case is lined with red velvet and incorporates a brass hinge and clasp mechanism.

The opened watch revealing the white enamel dial, ornate pierced hands, and the red velvet-lined interior of the outer tortoiseshell case.
The opened watch revealing the white enamel dial, ornate pierced hands, and the red velvet-lined interior of the outer tortoiseshell case. — PLAKAS / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Triple-cased verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Edward Prior
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
201424947
Source-reported date
circa 1780
Source-reported place
London
Source-reported serial
9978

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Casing and Exterior Presentation

The outermost protective shell is crafted from tortoiseshell and features pressed decoration radiating from the center on the reverse. This exterior is further decorated with white metal studs arranged in distinct circular patterns. The interior of this outer case is lined with red velvet, which is reported as being in a worn condition.

The middle silver case is secured with its original pinned hinge and provides protection for the inner components. An inner silver case holds the watch movement and is fitted with a bezel constructed from both gilt and tortoiseshell materials, which is also set with small applied metal studs to complement the outer ornamentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in three nested cases”
  • “The outermost case is of tortoiseshell with radiating pressed decoration to the reverse, the exterior enriched with white metal studs”
  • “The outer protective case is lined with worn red velvet and retains its brass hinge and clasp.”

Movement and Technical Features

The watch is powered by a verge movement contained within the inner silver case. The movement is gilt-finished and exhibits evidence of manual work, specifically through the pierced and engraved scrolling foliate openwork found on the backplate. The movement assembly incorporates blued steel screws as a functional and aesthetic detail.

A small enamel regulator dial is integrated into the backplate, facilitating adjustment. The signature of the maker, Edward Prior of London, is present alongside the serial number 9978, which is engraved directly into the backplate component.

Evidence for this section
  • “inner silver case fitted with a pierced and finely engraved gilt movement”
  • “The backplate displays scrolling foliate openwork, blued screws, and a small enamel regulator dial”
  • “alongside the signature Edward Prior, London and the serial number 9978.”

Dial and Market Orientation

The watch is specifically configured for the Turkish market, as indicated by the use of Turkish-style numerals on the white enamel dial. The dial layout is completed by a set of ornate pierced hands which rotate within the enclosure of the gilt and tortoiseshell bezel.

The auction-house description provides the attribution, though independent verification of the manufacture is recommended.

Evidence for this section
  • “A SILVER AND TORTOISESHELL TRIPLE-CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH FOR THE TURKISH MARKET”
  • “the white enamel face is set with Turkish-style numerals, paired with ornate pierced hands”

Open research questions

  • Can the serial number 9978 be verified against existing records for Edward Prior?
  • What is the specific history of the Turkish market influence on London-made verge watches of this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Edward Prior Triple-Cased Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerEdward Prior“EDWARD PRIOR, LONDON”
DateCirca 1780“Circa 1780”
Case materialsSilver and tortoiseshell“SILVER AND TORTOISESHELL”
Dial numeralsTurkish-style“Turkish-style numerals”
Diameter4cm“Diameter: 4cm”
Movement detailsScrolling foliate openwork and blued screws“The backplate displays scrolling foliate openwork, blued screws”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Turkish-style numerals
  • Tortoiseshell outer case with white metal studding
  • Inner case lined with red velvet
  • Ornate pierced hands

Research qualifications

  • Independent confirmation of the date and type attribution is required.
  • The condition of the velvet lining is reported as worn.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A SILVER AND TORTOISESHELL TRIPLE-CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH FOR THE TURKISH MARKET BY EDWARD PRIOR, LONDON

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 24dcb2234c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.