-John Bent, London, 1734, listed in Baillie.
-John Bent, Garbaldisham, (pronounced Garboldsham), Norfolk, 1836-1846, listed in Loomes.
The watch is a verge with fusee, pair case, key wind, key set. Regarding originality? I suspect the inner case would be original, but there is no way to know for certain. The outer case? Likewise. When you get it, you might consider removing the case papers, carefully, and comparing hallmarks, standard marks, date letters, and case maker trade marks on the cases. Also, look for serial numbers inside both cases. This information will answer a lot of questions. I have Phillip Priestley’s excellent book on English watch case maker’s trade marks. Give us a good picture of those marks, and we should be able to tell you a lot.
By 1836-46 (see above), most English watches had evolved to the English lever escapement, and the pair case had gone the way of the dodo bird. I suspect your watch is likely from circa the 1734 date. But the hallmarks in the case(s) may either confirm, or tell a different story. Let us know what you find out.
What might silver scrap sell for nowadays? Not very much, I fear.
