Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement by Wm. Chester, Shoreditch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1830
This is an English gilt full-plate verge fusee pocket watch movement dating to circa 1830 during the Georgian era. Engraved on the top plate with the maker inscription 'Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch' and serial number 3659, the movement features a solid, foliate-engraved balance cock fitted with a diamond endstone in a blued setting and an engraved grotesque mask.
A calibrated curved regulator scale marked 'Slow' and 'Fast' is adjusted via a pointed blued-steel indicator. According to the seller, the movement measures 44 mm in diameter by 15 mm in depth, retains its chain and balance, and was preserved without its case or intact dial.
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
- Verge fusee movement
- Dimensions
- 44mm wide x 15mm deep
- Serial Number
- 3659
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Balance Endstone
- Diamond endstone
- Maker / attribution
- Wm Chester
- Escapement and Drive
- Verge fusee
- Maker Signature and Location
- Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt full-plate movement engraved with maker signature 'Wm Chester / 5 Shoreditch' and serial number 'No 3659'. • Solid balance cock and flanking foot ornately engraved with dense foliate scrollwork, incorporating a grotesque mask motif. • Raised blued jewel setting secured by two screws housing a diamond endstone. • Arched regulator scale calibrated with fine divisions and engraved 'Slow' and 'Fast' with an arrow indicator.
- Identity and Top Plate Markings
- The item is an English full-plate pocket watch movement documented as belonging to the Georgian period (1714 to 1837) and dated to circa 1830 in the listing title. It features a gilt finish across the back plate. The plate is engraved with the maker signature and address 'Wm Chester / 5 Shoreditch' alongside the serial designation 'No 3659' (quoted as 'Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch, 3659' in the seller description).
- Balance Cock and Regulator Construction
- The movement includes a solid balance cock and foot decorated with foliate scroll engraving and a grotesque face motif. A diamond endstone is set in a raised blued steel setting secured to the cock by two screws. Regulating is adjusted via an arched scale marked with calibration divisions and lettered 'Slow' and 'Fast', accompanied by a pointed blued-steel indicator hand.
- Mechanical Features and Seller Reported Condition
- The mechanism is an English verge fusee movement. According to the seller's assessment, it has 'a good chain and a good balance – the movement will tick' and is evaluated by the dealer as 'in 90% mint' condition. The movement measures 44 mm in width by 15 mm in depth. The outer case is not included, and the seller reports that the white enamel dial lacks hands and has major damage, though the dial is not visible in the provided back plate photograph.
Identification
- Serial number
- 3659
- 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: Consists solely of the movement; the original outer pocket watch case is absent.
- Research required: Dealer listing notes the enamel dial is heavily damaged and lacking hands (dial side not shown in the image).