James McCabe 18ct gold key wind open face pocket watch
ProbableCredible evidence exists but classification is not fully established.
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1857
This is an 18ct gold key wind open face pocket watch catalogued by Bonhams under lot 6. The source describes it as having a duplex escapement, numbered 02893, with a London hallmark for 1857.
An open view of the watch displays a gilded movement signed by James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, alongside an open gold case back and hinged bezel ring.
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
- Open-face key wind pocket watch
- Maker
- James McCabe
- Escapement
- Duplex escapement
- Case material
- 18ct gold
- Hallmark date
- 1857
- Serial number
- 02893
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Winding mechanism
- Key wind
- Maker / attribution
- James McCabe
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged outer gold case back and inner glazed/protective bezel ring are opened, revealing the movement. • Gilt movement top plate is engraved with 'Jas McCabe' and 'Royal Exchange London' along with a serial number. • A balance wheel with endstone assembly is visible beneath the balance cock.
- Identity and Classification
- The timepiece is catalogued as an open-face key wind pocket watch by James McCabe, bearing number 02893. According to the auction listing title, the watch dates to 1857 based on a reported London hallmark. The auction source lists the case material as 18ct gold. While McCabe's London location is reflected in movement plate engravings, further contextual background regarding the workshop or country of manufacture is not detailed in the auction text.
- Movement and Mechanical Details
- Direct visual inspection shows an exposed gilt movement top plate engraved with 'Jas McCabe' and 'Royal Exchange London' together with a serial number. A balance wheel and endstone assembly are visible beneath the balance cock. The source catalogues the movement as featuring a duplex escapement. Because only a single static photograph of the movement side is provided, the mechanical escapement type remains source-reported and is not independently confirmed by dynamic examination.
- Case Observations and Cataloguing Limitations
- The case is catalogued as 18ct gold in an open-face configuration. The available photograph shows the hinged outer gold case back and an inner glazed or protective bezel ring opened to reveal the movement. Documentation in the provided record is incomplete. The dial side, including numerals and hands, is not depicted in the image. Furthermore, the reported 1857 London hallmark is not visible in the illustration and is not recorded in detail beyond the cataloguing title.
Identification
- Serial number
- 02893
- 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 dial side and hands are not shown in the provided photograph.
- Research required: The duplex escapement and hallmark date of 1857 are source-reported and cannot be fully confirmed by visual inspection alone.