Daniel De St. Leu for George Prior, London. A fine and large gilt metal and painted horn pair case two train quarter striking clock watch, Made for the Turkish market

Circa 1780

Date: Circa 1780
Movement: Gilt full plate, finely pierced and engraved balance cock, finely engraved foot, two train chain fusée with verge escapement, turned pillars, two steel hammers striking the quarters, half hours and hours on a bell positioned in the case, No.3753
Dial: White enamel, black Turkish numerals, gilt beetle and poker hands
Case: Pierced and profusely engraved inner with floral designs, strike/silent level in the bezel, outer painted horn scene depicting a galleon under full sail departing the harbour, pierced gilt and decorative embellishments, heavy squared hinge
Signed: Movement, inner cap, dial signed George Prior, London
Size: 60mm

A Swiss emigré, Daniel De St Leu is recorded as being active in London from 1753 until 1797. During this period he specialized in clocks and watches decorated for the Turkish market. In 1765 he was appointed Watchmaker to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.