Pocket watch

c. 1797

Maker

Probably James or John James (dates unknown)

Measurements

3 in x 2 in (dia) x 7/8 in

Materials

Silver, brass, steel, iron

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3697

Inscription

The case is stamped with six touchmarks including four for Chester, England, silver along with the date letter for 1797/98, and a "TH" maker's mark.  The back of the watch movement is engraved, “J James / Liverpool 2001[?].”

A watch paper set inside the case reads, “PATENT LEVER / WATCHES / R Winstanley / Watch / Manufacturer / Harp /near the Well. / HOLYWELL. / PLATE ¶ / GOLD RINGS.”

Condition Notes

The watch case is missing a glass crystal and a hinge pin for the movement.  The fob ring is broken.  The winding key is missing.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The watch, housed in a silver case, has a white-painted iron dial and a brass movement with steel fittings signed by the Liverpool maker.  Hours are marked by Roman numerals and minutes by a ring of slashes at the outer edge.  The silver case has hallmarks identifying it as of Chester, England, which is about 20 miles south of Liverpool.  

The watch paper inside the silver case appears to be that of a retailer located in Holywell, a market town in Wales.