Cade & Robinson Silver Hunter Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1813
This gents silver hunter pocket watch, produced by the London-based firm Cade & Robinson, dates to circa 1813. The watch, identified by the maker’s mark and the serial number 4849 engraved on the back plate, features a white enamel dial with roman numerals.
The movement is key-wound and utilizes a fusee and chain mechanism alongside a verge escapement with a steel scape wheel. The hunter case bears London hallmarks corresponding to the 1813-1814 period, as well as the maker's initials 'IG'. An inner case inscription documents that the watch was presented to William Ballingall of the ship Superb in April 1822 by a Mr. Oswald of Cavens. The item is held within the collection of Museums Victoria, identified by the registration number ST 24754.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1813
- Type
- Hunter pocket watch
- Maker
- Cade & Robinson
- Hallmarks
- 1813-1814 London hallmarks
- Dimensions
- 5.5 cm diameter
- Escapement
- Verge
- Provenance
- William Ballingall
- Serial Number
- 4849
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Cade & Robinson
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a silver hunter case, providing a protective metal cover over the dial. The dial itself is composed of white enamel and features black Roman numerals for hour indication. A notable physical feature of the case design is the detachable cover, which allows the user to inspect the movement. This cover includes a specific cut-away section that provides visibility of the internal jewel, decorative engraving, and the slow-to-fast adjustment mechanism. The silver casing is verified by the inclusion of London hallmarks corresponding to the 1813-1814 period, specifically incorporating the lion, crowned leopard, and a capital 's'.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with Roman numeral indices • Hunter-style protective metal outer casing • Detachable movement cover with cut-out for regulation access • Pendant-style winding bow attached to the case
- Movement and Mechanism
- Power is transmitted through a fusee and chain, which was designed to equalize the torque exerted by the mainspring. The escapement is of the verge type, a traditional arrangement using a steel scape wheel to regulate the movement. This allows for manual regulation of the watch's rate via a clearly marked slow-to-fast adjustment lever. The serial number 4849 and the maker's signature are prominently displayed on the movement's back plate.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The historical context of the watch is established by an inscription found on the inner case. It records that the object was a gift presented to William Ballingall of the ship 'Superb' in April 1822. The donor was identified as Mr. Oswald of Cavens. The ship mentioned, the 'Superb', is documented as part of the London and Edinburgh Shipping Company's fleet by 1828. The firm Cade & Robinson is associated with London, though academic sources such as G.H. Baillie suggest varying activity dates for the makers. The watch is currently catalogued under the registration number ST 24754, forming part of the science and measurement collection at Museums Victoria. This documentation provides a clear link between the manufacture of the piece and its subsequent ownership history.
Identification
- Serial number
- 4849
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact operational status of the verge escapement movement is not stated
- Research required: The maker's operational dates cited in Baillie conflict with the hallmark date