Samson Wroth tortoiseshell-covered watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1720
This pocket watch was made by Samson Wroth in Taunton, England, circa 1720. It features a two-body case constructed of gilt metal that is covered in tortoiseshell and decorated with metallic studs.
The watch includes a gilt brass shutter for the winding aperture. The dial is white enamel and displays radial Roman numerals with an outer minute ring containing five-minute Arabic markers; it is equipped with blued steel "beetle and poker" hands. The movement measures 41.6 mm and consists of a gilt full plate with Egyptian pillars, a fusee and chain, and a verge escapement. It utilizes a plain steel balance with a flat balance spring and a single-footed cock featuring streamers, pierced and engraved with symmetrical stylized foliage.
A rack and pinion regulator with a silver plate is also present. The watch has a total diameter of 55 mm and is signed on the movement.
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
- Case
- Two-body tortoiseshell and gilt metal
- Date
- circa 1720
- Dial
- White enamel with Roman numerals
- Type
- Verge & pair-cased watch
- Maker
- Samson Wroth
- Diameter
- 55 mm
- Regulator
- Rack and pinion
- Escapement
- Verge
- Movement size
- 41.6 mm
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Samson Wroth
Design
- Visible features
- • Tortoiseshell case decoration with studs • Blued steel beetle and poker hands • White enamel dial with Arabic five-minute markers • Gilt brass winding shutter
- Reported Condition
- The auction house has provided a condition grading for the timepiece. The overall condition is categorized as Grade AA, which the auction description indicates as very good. Specific components received individual assessments within the report. The case is evaluated as condition 3, and the movement is also classified as condition 3*.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in a two-body case measuring 55 mm in diameter. The exterior back and bezel surfaces are finished with a covering of tortoiseshell and are ornamented with metallic studs. Access to the winding square is managed through a gilt brass shutter mechanism built into the case structure. The dial is composed of white enamel. It features a chapter ring with radial Roman numerals for the hours and an outer ring marked with five-minute Arabic intervals. The time is indicated by a set of blued steel hands described as the "beetle and poker" pattern.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The internal movement has a diameter of 41.6 mm and follows a gilt full-plate construction. It is powered by a fusee and chain mechanism and employs a verge escapement. The balance is made of plain steel and is regulated by a flat balance spring. The movement includes a single-footed balance cock detailed with streamers and pierced, engraved symmetrical stylized foliage. A rack and pinion regulator is mounted on a silver plate. The watch is signed by the maker on the movement.
Identification
- 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 overhaul recommended
- Research required: Specific origin of tortoiseshell not verified