Bartholomew Barwell (English/American, active in New York 1749-1760, from Bath, England) and James Banks (English, 18th century), early 18th century. Exceedingly rare and finely rendered pair-cased verge escapement sterling silver and brass pocket or clock watch with ornately handled pierced and engraved sterling silver outer hinged and fitted case decorated with scrolled foliates, facial masks, birds and coat of arms, interior stamped "WB", protecting the inner clock section with glazed and hinged circular top the opens to access sterling dial with Arabic and Roman numerals, engraved at center amid foliates with maker "Barwell" and location "Bath", gilt brass highly ornate back on verge escapement with foliates and birds (relating to rest of decoration on case) engraved with "James Banks Nottingham" for noted clock mechanism maker, hinged sterling silver pierced and engraved back cover with alarm bell with corresponding decoration found on rest of case. Accompanied with small winding key. Overall approximate height (to top of bail) 2.8", width 2.3", depth 1.3". Note: In 2016, Sotheby's sold a very rare pair cased verge watch with movement by James Banks of Nottingham on their December 15, 2016 auction: Celebration of the English Watch, Part III, The Genius of Thomas Tompion as Lot 19. While the pair cased verge watch on their sale in London also used a rare differential dial, the ornamentation on the mechanism surrounding Banks' name is closely related with the bird motif and ornate scrolling. Both Banks and Barwell are listed in G.H. Baillie's text "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World".

Watch currently running, however, bell does not strike. Oxidation to cases and dial--would benefit from light professional cleaning. Split to silver ring on outer case. Slight misshaping to reticulated areas and edges commensurate with use and age. Visible wear to decoration on back of case. Separation on reticulated decoration on right sounded side of case. Back of case with minor surface scratches commensurate with age and handling. No other overt signs of damage or loss. Please note that we do not guarantee that the clock will still be in running condition upon receipt. Prior to bidding, please consult the additional photos provided and ask all pertinent questions (i.e. condition, size, etc.). Packing and shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, please see our website for a list of shipping companies. For a condition report, please email Condition@AandOauctions.com. For additional photos, please email Photos@AandOauctions.com.