Pocket watch in silver case, by J. S. Magnin
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
hallmarked 1795
This open-face pocket watch in a silver case is held by the Science Museum Group under object number 1916-202. The source documents the case as hallmarked 1795 and attributes the piece to maker J.
S. Magnin. The museum record describes the movement as featuring a Debaufre type escapement, a curb compensator, and maintaining power, while also noting verge escapement classification elsewhere. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and outer minute marks, slender hands, and a reeded case band. A red cord with an attached brass winding key is affixed to the pendant bow.
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 watch
- Materials
- silver (metal), glass, brass (copper, zinc alloy) and enamel
- Hallmark Date
- hallmarked 1795
- Maker Attribution
- J. S. Magnin
- Maker / attribution
- J. S. Magnin
- Escapement and Features
- Debaufre type escapement, curb compensator, maintaining power
- Measurements and Weight
- 19 mm x 46 mm x 53 mm, 0.085kg
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and peripheral minute markings • Fluted or reeded band encircling the silver case • Ball pendant with hallmarks or stamps visible, fitted with a swivel bow • Attached red cord tied to a brass circular-ring pocket watch key
- Object Identity and Attribution
- This silver pocket watch is held in the Science Museum Group collection under object number 1916-202, acquired via credit from Mr. Evan Roberts. The museum attributes the piece to maker J. S. Magnin, recording it with a hallmark date of 1795. The overall item measures 19 mm in thickness by 46 mm in width and 53 mm in length, with a recorded weight of 0.085 kg. The documented materials across the assembly include silver, glass, brass (a copper-zinc alloy), and enamel.
- External Case and Dial Presentation
- Direct visual inspection shows an open-face silver case featuring a fluted or reeded band running along the case side. At the top, a ball pendant carries stamps or hallmark impressions and supports a swivel bow. The dial is executed in white enamel, detailed with black Roman numeral hour markers and fine peripheral minute calibrations. Accompanying the watch is a separate brass pocket watch key with a circular ring handle, secured to the bow by a tied red cord.
- Internal Mechanism and Source Contradictions
- The internal movement is not displayed in the catalogued imagery, leaving its mechanical layout unconfirmed by visual review. The museum documentation outlines several technical features for the movement, describing it as possessing a Debaufre type escapement, a curb compensator, and maintaining power. However, the source record contains an unresolved contradiction regarding the escapement system. While the primary narrative explicitly cites a Debaufre type escapement, the structured classification metadata designates the piece as having a verge escapement under its mechanical typology.
Identification
- Object Number
- 1916-202
- 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 movement interior is not depicted, precluding visual verification of the Debaufre escapement, curb compensator, or maintaining power
- Research required: The source contains conflicting escapement descriptions, noting 'Debaufre type escapement' in narrative fields and 'verge escapement' under type classification