English Rack Lever Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1839
This English pocket watch, dating to 1839, features a silver pair case and is equipped with a rack lever escapement. , which utilizes a key-wind fusee mechanism.
The dial is off-white enamel with black Roman numerals and gilt hands. Technical features of the movement include a Bosley-type regulator with blued steel, a diamond endstone for the balance axis, and a balance cock engraved with the word 'Patent'. The escapement incorporates a 30-tooth rack lever wheel with adjustable slides for the axes. The silver case carries the hallmark for Birmingham 1839 and an additional maker's mark 'VR'.
The watch is protected by a simple gilt dust cover. Documentation of recent servicing or precise dimensions is not provided in the source record.
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
- Type
- Pair cased pocket watch
- Regulator
- Bosley
- Escapement
- Rack Lever
- Case Material
- Silver
- Place recorded
- England
- Balance Endstone
- Diamond
- Hallmark Location
- Birmingham
- Maker / attribution
- Unknown (VR maker's mark)
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a silver pair case, a classic construction featuring an outer shell and an inner case. The silver casing is fitted with an oval-shaped pendant and a matching suspension loop. The dial consists of off-white enamel, which serves as the base for applied black Roman numerals used to mark the hours. Time is indicated through the use of gilt hands, which contrast with the light-toned enamel surface. The source notes that the silver components bear hallmarks associated with Birmingham in 1839. A specific maker's mark, identified as 'VR', is present on the case. Prospective owners are encouraged to verify the consistency and authenticity of the hallmarking on both sections of the pair case to ensure original assembly.
- Visible features
- • Case features oval-shaped silver pendant with integral suspension loop • Balance cock exhibits intricate floral engraving • Roman numerals on enamel dial remain visible
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a full plate gilt design characterized by a key-wind fusee and chain mechanism. It is shielded by a plain gilt dust cover. The balance cock is notable for its intricate engravings and bears the 'Patent' inscription. The balance assembly utilizes a Bosley-type regulator crafted from blued steel and a diamond endstone on the axis of the balance wheel. Central to the watch's function is the rack lever escapement, which features a 30-tooth wheel. The escapement design includes adjustable slides for the axes, intended to allow for precise positioning. The balance wheel itself is a simple three-armed steel configuration paired with a blue steel hairspring.
- Reported Condition and Documentation
- According to the provided information, there is no formal record regarding the recent service history or the timekeeping accuracy of this instrument. The physical dimensions, including the diameter of the case in millimeters, are not specified within the source material. For collectors, the documentation suggests prioritizing an examination of the fusee chain's integrity, the functional status of the 30-tooth rack lever escapement, and the condition of the enamel dial, specifically looking for potential hair-line fractures that may have developed over time.
Identification
- 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: Operational accuracy and current running condition are unverified
- Research required: Internal component wear including fusee chain requires verification