Morris Tobias & Co Pocket Watch Movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1800
This gents pocket watch movement, bearing the serial number 869, was produced by Morris Tobias & Co in London, circa 1800. The movement features a key-wound mechanism, a fusee and chain, and a rack lever escapement.
The construction includes an enamel dial displaying black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. Inscriptions on the back plate include "Morris Tobias Hos, London, no. 869, Patent" and a decorative design, while the works cover is marked "Tobias, Hos, Patent." The object is part of a collection of movements donated by Ingram Brothers in 1937, which were preserved after their original cases were melted for bullion value during the 1930s.
The movement measures approximately 4.7 cm in diameter and 1.7 cm in width.
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 1800
- Type
- Pocket watch movement
- Maker
- Morris Tobias & Co
- Escapement
- Rack lever
- Provenance
- Donation from J. Ingram, 1937
- Inscriptions
- Morris Tobias Hos, London, no. 869, Patent
- Serial Number
- 869
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement details
- Key wound with fusee and chain
- Maker / attribution
- Morris Tobias & Co
Design
- Visible features
- • Enamel dial with seconds sub-dial • Rack lever escapement assembly visible • Fusee chain tension mechanism • Ornate engraving on back plate
- Inscriptions and Marks
- The movement is identified by the serial number 869, which appears on the dial and the back plate. The back plate is decorated with an ornate design and bears the inscription "Morris Tobias Hos, London, no. 869, Patent". The works cover provides further information with the mark "Tobias, Hos, Patent". The significance of the term 'Hos' and the specific patent referenced on the movement are not further elaborated in the documentation provided by the source, though the presence of the number 869 serves as a clear identifier for this specific piece.
- Provenance and History
- This movement was acquired by the museum via a donation from J. Ingram on February 18, 1937. It was part of a group of watch movements provided by Ingram Brothers, who were jewelers. While the jeweler melted down the cases for the value of the precious metals, the firm opted to retain the movements of watches considered to be of historical interest, thereby preserving them from destruction.
- Mechanical Construction
- The movement is a key-wound mechanism utilizing a fusee and chain for power distribution. The escapement is specified as a rack lever type. The overall diameter of the movement is 4.7 cm, with a thickness of 1.7 cm. The inclusion of a fusee indicates the use of a device to equalize the force delivered from the mainspring as it unwinds. The white enamel dial is marked with black Roman numerals for the hours and features a subsidiary dial for seconds at the 6 o'clock position. The movement includes a scale for rate adjustment, denoted as fast to slow.
Identification
- Serial number
- 869
- 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: Interpretation of the abbreviation 'Hos' in the inscription is not defined
- Research required: Specific function of the patent indicated on the movement is not detailed