J. G. Graves "The Express English Lever" pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This J. G. Graves "The Express English Lever" is a key-wound open-face pocket watch manufactured circa 1900. Housed in a 54 mm sterling silver case, it features a double-sunk white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, gold-toned hands, and a blued steel small seconds hand.
The dial prominently displays the model name in red and the maker's details. The movement is an English lever escapement with a double hinge, which is decorated and signed. The sterling silver case was produced by Thomas Peter Hewitt of the Lancashire Watch Company and carries official Chester hallmarks dated 1900. The case back is finished with a machine-turned pattern and a central shield for personalization. The watch is supplied with its original winding key.
According to the source, the mechanism performs regularly, and the exterior exhibits minor surface wear consistent with its age.
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
- Key-winding open-face pocket watch
- Maker
- J. G. Graves
- Model
- The Express English Lever
- Hallmarks
- Chester 1900
- Case Maker
- Thomas Peter Hewitt
- Case Diameter
- 54 mm
- Place recorded
- England
- Winding Method
- Key-wound
- Maker / attribution
- J. G. Graves
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is contained within a 54 mm open-face sterling silver case, which features a machine-turned exterior pattern. A central shield is provided on the reverse for engraving purposes. The case construction includes a double-hinged lid design and carries Chester hallmarks dating the piece to 1900. The dial is a white double-sunk enamel type. It features black Roman numeral hour markers and is equipped with gold-toned hands, supplemented by a blued steel small seconds indicator. The model name 'The Express English Lever' is printed in red on the dial, along with the maker's name and location.
- Visible features
- • Machine-turned pattern on the case back with a central shield • Double-sunk white enamel dial with red branding • Gold-toned main hands with a blued steel seconds hand • Key-wound English lever movement
- History and Provenance
- J. G. Graves, based in Sheffield, was a notable retailer during the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods. The firm specialised in distributing branded timepieces like 'The Express English Lever', often coordinating with prominent workshops such as the Lancashire Watch Company for the supply of cases and components. The provenance documentation provided by the source is based on the professional records of Ashton-Blakey Antiques. The information identifies Thomas Peter Hewitt as the case manufacturer, linking the piece to the broader production output of the Lancashire watchmaking industry at the turn of the century.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement is an English lever design, recognized for its double-hinged construction. It is finished with decorative elements and includes the maker's signature. The watch utilizes a traditional key-winding system and is provided with the appropriate winding key. Regarding the mechanical condition, the source reports that the watch displays a consistent and functional performance.
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: Authentication and condition are based on vendor description only
- Research required: Serial numbers are not provided in the source documentation