An English/Dutch pair cased verge pocket watch the dial signed…

 

circa. A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.

cartouche. An ornamental panel in the form of of a shield, oval or rectangular scroll with curling edges. It may be carved into the back of a chair or the top of a sideboard, or present on a piece of silver or jewellery, and contain the initials of the original owner, heraldic symbols, or some other inscription, such as the details of a presentation.

In ceramics the term defines the central area of a vase or similar with a decorative border in one of the shapes above, into which a decorative scene or figures have been painted.

champleve. An enamelling technique in which the pattern is formed by scooping depressions into the metal surface to be decorated, each of which will contain a single colour, added in powder form and then fired until the enamel melts. When the item has cooled, the surface is polished sothat the enamel is flush with the metal surface. The uncarved sections of the surface remain visible, framing the enamel design.

In technique, champleve differs from cloisonne where the troughs are created by soldering metal strips to the surface of the item.

date aperture. A date aperture is a cut out section in the face of a watch or clock, displaying the day of the month.

The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.