Watchmaker I.D. help, please.

[bil2054]

Anybody ever hear of a Johann Einberger? I am looking at a real "turnip" watch, verge fusee, with a tortoise cover, elaborate engraving, pierced cock, elaborate pillars formed as classic coloumns, and one hallmark, looks like "IS" in a triangle. The plates look like they are gilt, some of the wheels look like they may be blued steel. There are two pierced, gilt hands, no seconds.
Any info or leads would be appreciated!

Bill Miller
NAWCC Member #157710

[bil2054]

Anybody ever hear of a Johann Einberger? I am looking at a real "turnip" watch, verge fusee, with a tortoise cover, elaborate engraving, pierced cock, elaborate pillars formed as classic coloumns, and one hallmark, looks like "IS" in a triangle. The plates look like they are gilt, some of the wheels look like they may be blued steel. There are two pierced, gilt hands, no seconds.
Any info or leads would be appreciated!

Bill Miller
NAWCC Member #157710

[pwrudy]

Dear Bill,
I am not an expert on 18th/19th cent. verge watches, so I consulted Baillie who has a Johann Einberger in Lauffen. He states that a silver PW, early 19th cent. is displayed in the Vienna Watch&Clockmuseum. From this information, I conclude that the 'Lauffen' alluded to is that place in Austria (there are two more 'Lauffen' in Germany) about 20 miles east of Salzburg.
There are, however, not too many watches of this sort (made in Austria, probably late 18th or very early 19th cent.) around. You have to contact a person who is expert on Austrian watches like Lukas Stolberg in Graz or D&S in Vienna. :wink:

[bil2054]

Thanks, Rudy. The watch does say "Lauffen", which I forgot to mention. I doubt I will be able to afford the darn thing, but it is beautiful!
I will continue my research, with your valuable hints.

Bill Miller
NAWCC Member #157710