Antique 18thC Georgian English Silver Ottoman Pair Case Verge Fusee Watch Samson

Offered for your consideration is a magnificent and exceedingly rare 18th-century Georgian English silver pair case pocket watch, custom-made for the lucrative Ottoman (Turkish) export market by the renowned London horologist Samson. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, English watchmakers—particularly elite London masters—established a thriving trade with the Ottoman Empire, exporting luxurious, high-grade timepieces to high-ranking officials, merchants, and members of the Sultan’s court.

Watches destined for the Ottoman market were distinctive, featuring specialized dials with Turkish numerals and outer cases decorated with vibrant, hand-painted enamel miniatures of Istanbul architectural landmarks, such as imperial mosques. The Samson firm was celebrated for producing some of the finest export timepieces of the era. Surviving in exceptional, fully operational condition complete with its original pair case and matching key, this museum-grade artifact represents the pinnacle of Georgian cross-cultural craftsmanship.

Detailed Specifications & Condition Report

The Pair Cases & Enamel Artwork

• Outer Enamel Case: The watch is housed in its original pair case configuration. The outer protective case features a stunning, vibrant hand-painted enamel scene on the rear cover, depicting a classic Ottoman architectural vista with multi-domed mosques and slender minarets against a soft sunset sky.

• Silver Construction & Dimensions: Both cases are crafted from solid English silver, measuring a substantial 49mm in diameter. The metal exhibits a rich, unpolished antique patina appropriate for a piece dating back over two centuries.

• Inner Case Marks: The interior of the silver case is fully hallmarked with traditional English silver stamps, alongside the production serial number “13027”.

The Ottoman Dial & Hands

• Specialized Dial: The pristine white enamel dial is custom-configured for the Turkish market, featuring distinctive Eastern Arabic-Indic numerals for the hours.

• Hands: Time is indicated by an exquisite set of pierced, hand-finished antique gilt gold-tone hands that contrast beautifully against the white enamel background.

The Verge Fusee Movement

• Mechanics: Powering this historical masterpiece is a traditional 18th-century English verge fusee escapement movement, utilizing an internal chain and conical fusee barrel to ensure uniform power distribution as the mainspring unwinds.

• Artistic Finishing: The gilt brass movement is a true work of decorative art. It features an oversized, heavily pierced and hand-engraved balance bridge (coq) filled with intricate scrolling floral and foliate motifs.

• Maker’s Signature: The movement backplate is deeply and elegantly engraved with the maker’s signature “Samson, London” and the matching serial number “13027”.

• Operating Condition: This exceptional antique timepiece is in perfect working order, winding smoothly and maintaining accurate time for a Georgian verge escapement.

Accessories

• Winding Key: A matching  winding key is included with the watch to operate the movement and set the time.

Terms of Sale This museum-quality antique presentation timepiece is a functioning piece of 18th-century trade history and is sold exactly as photographed. Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they form a definitive part of the description.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $6500