John Mason Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1802
This gents pocket watch is a gold pair-case timekeeper signed by John Mason of London. Dating to circa 1802, the watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals.
The outer gold case is decorated with ornate foliage and figures in relief. The movement is a key-wound type, designed with a fusee and chain mechanism and a verge escapement. The watch includes an internal dust cover or works cover, which bears hallmarks that assist in dating the piece to 1802, including a leopard's head, a crowned mark, and the date letter for that year. The object entered the collection via a transfer from the National Gallery of Victoria in 1939.
It measures approximately 5.4 cm in outside diameter and
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 1802
- Type
- Pair case pocket watch
- Maker
- John Mason
- Case type
- Gold pair case
- Hallmarks
- 1802 London hallmark
- Escapement
- Verge
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement mechanism
- Fusee and chain
- Maker / attribution
- John Mason
- Registration number
- ST 20996
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a pair case, a common configuration for watches of this period, constructed from gold. The outer case is decorated with an ornate design featuring foliage and figures. The dial is composed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals for the hours. The dimensions of the object are recorded as 5.4 cm in outside diameter and 3 cm in width, indicating the thickness of the case assembly. A piece of paper marked with the number '1820' was found inside the case.
- Visible features
- • Outer case features embossed figural and foliage decoration • Dial has black Roman numerals and a single remaining hand • Movement utilizes a fusee and chain • Works cover carries London hallmarks for 1802
- Signatures and Marks
- The back of the case is inscribed with the maker's name, 'Jn. Mason, London', confirming the attribution to John Mason. The works cover features a set of English hallmarks confirming the origin and date of the object. These marks include a leopard's head, a crown, a lion passant, and a capital 'g', which collectively date the assay of the gold to 1802. A maker's mark consisting of 'SI' over 'IL' is also identified on the works cover.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The timepiece is driven by a key-wound spring mechanism. The power is transmitted to the movement through a fusee and chain arrangement, which provides consistent torque to the gear train. The movement incorporates a verge escapement, the primary form of escapement for watches of this era. The movement is shielded by a works cover. This cover protects the internal components and serves as a location for hallmarking, which is crucial for identifying the year of manufacture.
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 exact significance of the '1820' paper insert remains unverified
- Research required: The watch is described as a 'gents pocket watch', though historical context on its specific original owner is not provided