SW15 Collectables

Description

A really elegant watch of historical interest. I don't think you'll find a nicer one.

An early example of a full-hunter, this elegant 18ct gold, key-wind pocket-watch has an elaborately and finely chased gold dial with Roman numerals and engine-turned subsidiary seconds dial. Front and back covers are engine-turned in a fine swirling pattern. There is a vacant circular cartouche to the front, The inside of the case back is fully hallmarked for 18ct gold, London 1841, with subsidiary 18ct hallmarks to the inside front cover and cuvette. The movement, both covers and cuvette carry matching number 1899. Cuvette and movement cover are fully signed for John Carter, 61 Cornhill.

Overall 65mm, 48mm diameter - bale 15mm diameter. For its age, a very shallow 10mm.

John Carter of 61, Cornhill, London was a noted maker who made chronometers. He was 3 times Master of the Clockmakers Company and later Lord Mayor of London (1859-1860).

The watch is in full working order and keeps good time. It was professionally serviced in August 2019, by the Clock Clinic, Putney.

It is offered with a later fitted box and key.

Excellent condition. There is nothing material that detracts from aesthetics or function. The observations below are intended for completeness and transparency. See photos. Full working order and keeps good time. There is very little wear noticeable to the cover or its engine-turning. However, there is micro surface scratching consistent with use and one very small depression to the edge of the front cover just to the left of the bale noticeble mainly from the inside. The inner cuvette has noticeable minor wear and surface scratching, particularly around the keyholes. Note: In common with most English watches of this period, the watch winds anti-clockwise and can be damaged by winding the wrong way or over-winding.

I trade in small silver, jewellery and objets d'art. I sell primarily at antiques fairs and in cabinets in Christique Antique Centre in Dorking. I try to find unusual and interesting stock and like to keep turning it over, so I can buy more. Postage and packing are free within the UK - unless explicitly stated otherwise. All fine jewellery will be supplied with a box. If the box/case is described in the text, it will be the one photographed, but may not be if it is not mentioned explicitly. I keep hardly any stock at home, if you want to buy something and need it urgently, I will usually do it the next day, but it may take me some time to respond if you need extra photographs and/or details about the piece that I do not have to hand, as I typically visit the antiques centre just once a week. If you don't see what you're looking for - feel free to send an enquiry via the site. I have only been able to list a portion of my stock.

I will always mention anything that materially affects the aesthetic or function of a piece, but will not attempt to describe what I consider to be normal for age and use. Please use the photographs as well as you can and I’m always happy to answer specific questions.