Francis Bryant Adams 18k gold fusee and chain pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This open-face pocket watch, dated circa 1850 and attributed to Francis Bryant Adams, Jr., features an 18k gold consular case made by casemaker William Francis.
Measuring 41 mm in diameter, the watch is fitted with a solid gold dial decorated with centrally engraved flowers and scrolling on a matted ground, applied gold Roman numerals on an engine-turned chapter ring, and gold Breguet-style hands. According to the auction description, the fire-gilded manual-wind movement incorporates a fusee and chain, Harrison's safety maintaining power, an English lever escapement with ruby pallets, a diamond end-stone, and an engraved balance bridge with a theatrical mask.
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
- Open-face fusee pocket watch
- Casemaker
- William Francis
- Escapement
- English type lever escapement with ruby pallets
- Case Diameter
- 41mm
- Case Material
- 18k gold
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Movement Mechanism
- Fire gilded fusee and chain
- Maker / attribution
- Francis Bryant Adams, Jr.
Design
- Visible features
- • Centrally engraved floral and scroll patterns on a matted gold ground • Applied Roman numeral hour markers on an engine-turned chapter ring • Breguet moon-tipped hour and minute hands with a sunken sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock • Large round suspension bow mounted above a spherical pendant with visible hallmark
- Dial Architecture and Visible Features
- The timepiece features a solid gold dial decorated centrally with engraved flowers and scrolling on a matted ground. An engine-turned chapter ring displays applied gold Roman numerals, paired with gold Breguet-style hands. Visual inspection of the front confirms the central floral and scroll engraving on the matted gold ground, applied Roman numeral hour markers on the engine-turned chapter ring, and Breguet moon-tipped hour and minute hands accompanied by a sunken sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock.
- Case Construction and Exterior Markings
- The watch is housed in an 18k gold consular case measuring 41 mm in diameter, credited by the auction description to casemaker William Francis. The construction integrates the dust cover into the case band to ensure sturdiness, with a spring-loaded back cover providing access to winding apertures. Externally, the case includes a suspension bow mounted above a pendant. The auction condition report notes that hallmarks are visible on the inside of the case back as well as at the base of the bow and on the bow itself.
- Inscriptions, Attributions, and Recorded Condition
- Christie's dates the watch to circa 1850 and attributes the manufacture to Francis Bryant Adams, Jr., noting he became a master in 1848 and was the son of Francis Bryant, also a London watchmaker. A subsequent engraving on the dust cover reads 'J. Wallace, July 20, 1857', accompanied by an arrow drawn in marker. The cataloger stated the movement was in working order at the time of cataloging but had not been tested for accuracy.
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: Internal movement details, balance bridge, and dust cover are not visible in the photograph; descriptions rely on the auction house report.
- Research required: Source notes a later inscription on the dust cover reading 'J. Wallace, July 20, 1857' and an arrow drawn in marker.