Gents pocket watch in gilt pair case
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid 19th century
This gents pocket watch, dating to the mid 19th century, features a gilt pair case construction. The inner case is decorated with circles of pearls on both the front and back, with the back originally featuring blue enamel work that is now largely chipped.
The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals and includes a center sweep hand, which can be arrested by a lever mechanism located at the back of the case; this lever applies pressure to the balance wheel via a small arm. The watch is accompanied by a winding key with blue enamel inlay. According to the donor, Mr. William Henry Ingram, this timepiece was carried during the 1857 siege of Lucknow. The object is registered as ST 23082 in the collection of Museums Victoria.
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
- mid 19th century
- Type
- Pocket watch
- Provenance
- Bequest from Mr William Henry Ingram
- Serial mark
- 4206
- Movement type
- Key wound cylinder escapement
- Case description
- Gilt pair case with pearls
- Provenance claim
- Siege of Lucknow 1857
- Registration number
- ST 23082
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a gilt pair case. The outer component is designed with an open front and a glass back, allowing for the visibility of the inner case. The inner case itself exhibits decorative circles of pearls on both the front and rear surfaces. A layer of blue enamel was originally applied to the reverse of the inner case, though this finish is significantly degraded and mostly missing. The dial is composed of white enamel and features Roman numerals for hour markers. It is equipped with a center sweep hand, a feature that distinguishes it from standard time-only displays of the period. The dial remains visible through the protective glass of the outer case front.
- Visible features
- • Case decorated with pearls • White enamel dial with Roman numerals • Blue enamel winding key included • Lever mechanism on case back for stopping seconds hand
- Movement and Function
- The mechanical movement is activated by a key-wound spring mechanism. The power is transmitted via a cylinder escapement, which was a common configuration for watches of this era. A specific feature is the secondary control mechanism; a lever located on the back of the case allows the user to stop the center sweep hand. When engaged, this lever acts upon an internal light arm, which then presses against the balance wheel to halt the motion. The winding key provided with the watch is decorated with a blue enamel insert.
- Provenance and Registration
- The watch was acquired by the museum in 1949 as part of a bequest from Mr. William Henry Ingram. Included with the administrative record is a claim that the watch was present during the 1857 siege of Lucknow, part of the Indian Rebellion. This information is preserved as part of the donor's provided history for the object. The object is catalogued within the museum's science and measurement collection under the registration number ST 23082. An identifying mark, '4206', is found on the pendant of the case, which serves as a unique identifier for the internal construction of the watch. No manufacturer is currently identified for the piece.
Identification
- Serial number
- 4206
- 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: Historical provenance during the siege of Lucknow relies solely on donor testimony
- Research required: Origin of manufacture is unknown