Joseph Johnson 18K Gold Openface Keywound Lever Pocket Watch, No. 2811
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1820-1821
According to the auction catalogue, this openface keywound lever pocket watch was made by Joseph Johnson of Liverpool for the Spanish market, numbered 2811. The source identifies a Birmingham date letter on the 18k gold case corresponding to 1820–1821.
Measuring 48 mm in diameter, the watch features an elaborately chased bezel, pendant, and bow. The three-colour gold dial presents sunburst engine turning, applied multi-tone gold floral and foliate borders, applied Roman numerals, and blued steel hands.
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
- Dial
- Three colour gold
- Type
- Open-face keywound lever pocket watch
- Circa
- Birmingham date letter for 1820-1
- Movement
- Manual
- Case Size
- 48 mm diameter
- Functions
- Time Only
- Case Material
- 18K gold
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Joseph Johnson
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The cataloguer lists the dial as 'Three colour gold'. Observations of the face show radial engine turning at the center flanked by applied floral and foliate wreaths surrounding the central zone and outer rim. Hours are marked by applied Roman numeral chapters and read via blued steel hands with heart-shaped tips. The condition report notes the dial as 'Slightly dirty from age'.
- Visible features
- • Engraved and chased foliate decoration on the bezel, round pendant, and large suspension bow • Three-colour gold dial featuring radial engine turning and applied floral wreaths surrounding the center and edge • Applied Roman numeral hour chapters and blued steel hands with heart-shaped tips
- Movement and Condition Notes
- The movement is listed as 'Manual' providing 'Time Only' functions. Neither the movement itself nor the internal case hallmarks are visible in the catalogue imagery. Regarding mechanical function, the condition report states: 'The movement is not ticking at the time of cataloguing, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended.'
- Identity and Case Construction
- Catalogued in the auction title as an 18k gold openface keywound lever watch by Joseph Johnson, No. 2811, the timepiece is described as made for the Spanish market. The case is constructed from 18k gold, measures 48 mm in diameter, and is catalogued with a 'Birmingham date letter for 1820-1'. Direct visual inspection shows foliate chasing and engraving on the bezel, the round pendant, and the wide suspension bow. According to the condition report, the case is 'Partially oxidized, small dents to the case back'.
Identification
- Serial number
- 2811
- 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: Movement and internal case hallmarks are not visible in the provided lot image
- Research required: Source notes the movement was not ticking at the time of cataloguing and case exhibits minor oxidation and dents