M. I. Tobias & Co. Gold Massey II Lever Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Early 19th century
This early 19th-century English key-wound pocket watch is signed by M. I. Tobias & Co. It is housed in an 18-karat gold open-face case featuring engine-turned decoration on the back and deeply chased floral embellishments along the band, pendant, and bow.
The gold dial displays Roman numerals against a matte ground, accented with three-color gold floral ornamentation and blued steel hands. Internally, the watch utilizes a full-plate gilt movement, specifically a Massey type two lever escapement. Technical features include Harrison’s maintaining power, a dust cover, a diamond endstone, a blued steel Bosley regulator, and a three-arm polished steel balance. The movement is serial numbered 7569, which matches the case.
The reverse of the case features a central medallion with engraved initials.
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 pocket watch
- Maker
- M. I. Tobias & Co
- Endstone
- Diamond
- Regulator
- Bosley regulator
- Case material
- 18-karat gold
- Place recorded
- England
- Power delivery
- Fusee and chain with Harrison's maintaining power
- Escapement type
- Massey type two lever
- Movement serial
- 7569
- Maker / attribution
- M. I. Tobias & Co
- Escapement inscription
- Patent – Detach'd
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is presented in an 18-karat gold open-face case. The back cover exhibits an engine-turned pattern, centered by a small medallion containing engraved initials. The middle band of the case, the pendant, and the bow are decorated with deep relief floral and foliage engravings. The dial is also constructed from gold, featuring gold Roman numerals set against a matte-textured background. The aesthetic is further detailed with three-color gold floral appliqués applied to the center and outer border of the dial. Time is indicated by blued steel hands.
- Visible features
- • Case features engine-turned finish with central engraved initials • Dial ornamentation utilizes three-color gold elements • Pendant and bow exhibit relief floral engravings • Movement bridge signed 'Patent – Detach'd'
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a full-plate gilt movement equipped with a dust cover. A key feature is the Massey type two lever escapement, which is historically significant for this period. The movement includes Harrison’s maintaining power to ensure continuous operation during winding. Technical specifications of the movement include a three-arm polished steel balance, a blued steel hairspring, and a Bosley-style regulator. The balance cock is intricately engraved and bears the inscription 'Patent – Detach'd'. A diamond endstone is present within the movement train.
- Provenance and Condition
- The movement serial number is 7569, which is documented to match the case. The auction house has noted that the current operational status, including the condition of the fusee chain and internal escapement components, is unknown and has not been recently serviced. Prospective owners are advised that professional inspection is required to assess the functional health of the escapement and power delivery systems.
Identification
- Serial number
- 7569
- 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: Condition of fusee chain, hairspring, and lever components is unverified
- Research required: Historical accuracy of TH & Co maker marks requires verification