Gontard & Co Pocket Watch Movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This pocket watch movement was produced by the Parisian maker Gontard & Co, circa 1850. The movement is a key-wound mechanism featuring a cylinder escapement. It measures 4.4 cm in diameter and 1.1 cm in depth.
The dial is missing, though one hand remains. The back plate or cover bears the inscription 'Gontard & Cie, a Paris, no. 164, Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche'. This movement was part of a collection donated by J. Ingram in 1937, consisting of remnants from watches whose original cases were melted down by jewelers during the economic depression of the 1930s.
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 1850
- Type
- Pocket watch movement
- Maker
- Gontard & Co
- Dimensions
- 4.4 cm diameter, 1.1 cm width
- Escapement
- Cylinder
- Inscription
- Gontard & Cie, a Paris, no. 164, Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche
- Serial number
- 164
- Place recorded
- France
- Winding mechanism
- Key wound
- Maker / attribution
- Gontard & Co
Design
- Visible features
- • Cylinder escapement visible on the top plate • Single hand attached to the center • Winding square present at the center • Engraved inscription on the bridge plate
- Provenance and History
- This movement reached the museum collection through a donation from J. Ingram on 18 February 1937. It was part of a larger group of movements collected by Ingram Brothers jewelers during the 1930s. While the jewelers processed the precious metal cases, the watch movements were preserved as historically interesting examples, leading to their subsequent donation to the institution.
- Technical Configuration
- The movement is a key-wound mechanism, designed for a gents pocket watch. It utilizes a cylinder escapement, a common component for this type of French watch during the mid-19th century. The mechanism measures 4.4 cm in outside diameter with a depth of 1.1 cm. Evidence of the watch's original functionality remains, as one hand is still present. However, the dial is absent, exposing the underlying plate and the central winding arbor.
- Signatures and Identification
- The movement is identified by the inscription found on the works cover, which identifies the manufacturer as Gontard & Cie based in Paris. The individual number 164 is engraved, providing a serial identification for this specific unit. The text 'Encaft Cylinder, Bemontez a Gauche' suggests technical specifications related to the assembly or escapement type. The manufacturer, Gontard & Co, is documented by B. Loomes as active in Paris between 1848 and 1855, which aligns with the circa 1850 dating provided. The registration number ST 20157 is associated with the object in the collection records.
Identification
- Serial number
- 164
- Accession number
- ST 20157
- 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 movement is not stated
- Research required: The original dial and case are missing