Silver Pair Cased Pocket Watch by O. Roberts
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This early 19th-century English pocket watch features an all-silver pair case construction with an oval pendant and bow. The white enamel dial is decorated with a multi-colored miniature painting depicting a farming scene known as "Speed the Plough," showing a farmer plowing with two horses, surrounded by black Roman numerals and gilt hands.
The movement is a full-plate verge escapement with a fusee chain, circular pillars, a decorative pierced balance cock with a mask, and a simple three-armed steel balance. The movement plate is signed "O. Roberts London" and numbered 2384. The inner case back bears an engraving reading "John Bullock – 1860" and the maker mark "WL". Technical condition and the service history of the movement are not specified. Collectors are advised to verify the integrity of the fusee chain and the condition of the enamel dial.
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
- Pair cased pocket watch
- Maker
- O. Roberts
- Engraving
- John Bullock 1860
- Dial subject
- Speed the Plough
- Movement type
- Verge escapement with fusee
- Serial number
- 2384
- Place recorded
- England
- Case maker mark
- WL
- Case construction
- Pair case
- Maker / attribution
- O. Roberts
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an English-style pair case constructed of silver, featuring an oval bow and pendant. The inner case exhibits specific markings, including the maker's mark "WL" and a historical inscription reading "John Bullock – 1860," indicating later provenance or commemorative personalization. The dial is composed of white enamel, serving as a canvas for a polychrome miniature painting centered on the theme "Speed the Plough." This image illustrates a pastoral scene with a farmer and two horses. Time is indicated by gilt hands against black Roman numeral hour markers.
- Visible features
- • Painted dial depicting a plowman with two horses • Pierced balance cock with mask decoration • Inner case back engraved "John Bullock – 1860" • Movement signed O. Roberts London with serial 2384
- Movement and Escapement
- The internal mechanism is a full-plate movement utilizing a verge escapement and a fusee chain drive. The construction includes circular pillars and a three-armed steel balance. The balance cock is notably decorative, featuring intricate piercings and an engraved mask. The movement is signed "O. Roberts London" and carries the serial number 2384 on the top plate, with a gilt regulator.
- Condition and Attribution
- The object is attributed to the early 19th century and originates from England. The auction description notes that information regarding the watch's technical function or service history is not provided by the seller. Prospective owners are encouraged to independently inspect the condition of the enamel dial for hairline fractures, the integrity of the fusee chain, the hinge function of the cases, and the consistency of the silver hallmarks.
Identification
- Serial number
- 2384
- 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 functionality and service history are not confirmed
- Research required: Integrity of the fusee chain and enamel dial condition require independent verification