Ja's Swingler Grantham Verge Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1811
This is a double-case verge pocket watch signed by Ja's Swingler Grantham. Manufactured in sterling silver and dated to 1811 by its London hallmark, the piece features a heavy construction, weighing approximately 568g alone and 703g with its accompanying silver chain.
The watch is housed in a smooth, polished silver case with a prominent outer hinge. It includes an enamel dial marked with Arabic numerals and fitted with original gold hands. The gold-plated movement operates with a chain and fusee mechanism, incorporating a pierced and engraved balance cock and a diamond endstone. The object is presented as an item from a private collector and is reported by the auction description to require an overhaul.
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
- Case
- Smooth, double-case with outer hinge
- Dial
- Enamel with Arabic numerals
- Type
- Double-case verge pocket watch
- Maker
- Ja's Swingler Grantham
- Weight
- Approximately 568g without chain, 703g with chain
- Hallmark
- London 1811
- Material
- Sterling silver
- Movement
- Gold plated, chain and fusee with diamond endstone
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Ja's Swingler Grantham
Design
- Visible features
- • Heavy sterling silver double-case construction • Enamel dial with Arabic numerals and gold hands • Prominent outer-hinge mechanism on the secondary case • Includes a heavy sterling silver chain
- Origin and Condition
- The piece originates from the United Kingdom, confirmed by the London hallmarks dated to 1811. The object is recorded as having been held in a private collection prior to its appearance at auction. The condition is described by the auction house using the internal reference 'condition 2'. While the watch remains physically intact, the suggestion of an overhaul indicates that the mechanical condition may not be currently reliable.
- Movement and Escapement
- The internal mechanism is a gold-plated verge movement, which relies on a traditional chain and fusee system for power transmission. Detailed finishing is present on the balance cock, which is both pierced and engraved. Further horological detail includes a diamond endstone, which is set as a bearing for the balance staff. The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul to function correctly.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in a substantial sterling silver double-case construction. The exterior of the casing is smooth, finished to a polished appearance. A key feature of the outer housing is the inclusion of a large, prominent outer hinge, which facilitates access to the watch interior while providing extra protection for the inner movement assembly. The dial is composed of enamel, featuring Arabic numerals. The time is indicated by original gold hands, which provide a contrast to the white surface of the enamel dial. The overall heavy gauge of the silver components is noted in the weight documentation, totaling 703g when the heavy silver chain is attached.
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: The source notes an overhaul is recommended, suggesting internal wear or mechanical stoppage
- Research required: Specific mechanical functionality is unverified beyond the description of parts