Massey patent lever escapement pocket watch mechanism by Litherland, Davies and Co.
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1795-1805
This uncased pocket watch mechanism features Massey's patent modified lever escapement with a large balance wheel designed to beat seconds and support centre-seconds operation.
The source documents the movement as produced between 1795 and 1805 in Liverpool, England, by Litherland, Davies and Co. under movement number 11197. Constructed of brass and steel, the visible top plate displays engraved signatures including 'LIVERPOOL' and the serial number, along with a decorated balance cock bearing the inscription 'MASSEY'S PATENT' and a curved regulation index marked 'F' and 'S'.
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
- Lever escapement pocket watch mechanism
- Materials
- Brass and steel
- Measurements
- overall: 13 mm 52 mm, .055 kg
- Serial Number
- 11197
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker and Origin
- Litherland, Davies and Co., Liverpool, England
- Maker / attribution
- Litherland, Davies and Co.
- Escapement Description
- Massey's patent modified lever escapement
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved balance cock banner clearly reads 'MASSEY'S PATENT' • Movement plate is engraved 'LIVERPOOL' and numbered '11197' • Large steel balance wheel is visible under the balance cock • Curved regulation index scale is engraved with 'F' and 'S' • Part of the maker signature 'therland' is visible engraved in script on the plate beneath the balance wheel
- Identity and Markings
- The object is an uncased pocket watch mechanism catalogued under Science Museum Group object number 1920-557, recorded as on loan from Bruno Roberts. The source attributes manufacture to Litherland, Davies and Co. of Liverpool, England, with an estimated date range of 1795 to 1805. Visual observation of the top plate shows an engraved location reading 'LIVERPOOL' and serial number '11197', alongside the partial script inscription 'therland' beneath the balance wheel. The balance cock includes a banner engraved with 'MASSEY'S PATENT' and an index scale marked with 'F' and 'S'.
- Completeness and Source Limitations
- The assembly is an uncased mechanism without a documented case, dial, or handset. The supplied imagery displays only the top plate side, leaving the dial side and any remaining motion work unviewed. Operational condition and specific internal escapement details beyond the museum's stated classifications are not recorded in the source documentation.
- Movement Architecture and Escapement
- The movement is composed of brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal), with recorded overall dimensions of 13 mm by 52 mm and a weight of .055 kg. A large steel balance wheel is visible running beneath the engraved balance cock. The catalog entry describes the mechanism as 'Massey's patent modified lever escapement with large balance wheel beating seconds, centre-seconds', while also classifying the type as 'spring-driven watch mechanism and deadbeat anchor escapement'.
Identification
- Reference
- 1920-557
- Object Number
- 1920-557
- Serial number
- 11197
- 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 is uncased and lacks dial, hands, and case
- Research required: Dial side is not shown