A rare early 17^th Century French pre-balance spring verge in a gilt and silver oval case.  Deep full plate fire gilt movement with slender square baluster pillars.  Fusee and gut with gilt barrel ratchet and elaborate click between the plates. Small pierced and engraved cock secured by a screw.  Plain gilt dial engraved with Roman numerals, fine single blue steel hand in the form of a serpent.  Four tabs on the dial locate it in the case and secured by two springs and latches at nine and three o’clock.  Drum shaped gilt oval case, fixed pendant and ring bow, turned finial at six o’clock.  The sides of the case with a band of applied silver engraved with foliage and reclining figures.  Plain hinged gilt oval covers, gilding worn from the exterior surfaces.  Inside the front cover a well preserved engraving of the Medici Family coat of arms.