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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Cased watch movement

Barraud pocket watch movement in later custom-made case

Partially verified

According to Bonhams, this early 19th-century watch movement was produced by Barraud around 1810 and subsequently fitted into a later custom-made case. The movement top plate is engraved 'Cornhill LONDON' and 'Barraud', accompanied by a balance regulator scale labelled 'Fast' and 'Slow'. Bonhams records the movement number as 4591. In the auction photograph, the movement is shown from the back within an open silver-coloured case featuring a pendant loop, with the inner case back stamped with hallmarks and a maker's mark.

Movement view of the Barraud watch movement inside the opened custom case
Movement view of the Barraud watch movement inside the opened custom case — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Cased watch movement
Maker / attribution
Barraud
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
22
Source-reported date
Circa 1810
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
4591

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Reported Movement

In Bonhams' auction catalogue under Lot 22, this object is described as an early 19th-century watch movement by Barraud fitted into a later custom-made case. The auction title records movement number 4591 and dates it to circa 1810.

The auction entry does not include extended catalogue text regarding the escapement design, dial configuration, or earlier ownership history.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 22”
  • “Barraud. An early 19th century watch movement within a later custom made case”
  • “No.4591, Circa 1810”

Visible Movement Top Plate and Regulation

Direct observation of the movement reveals that the top plate is engraved 'Cornhill LONDON' and 'Barraud'. An engraved balance cock holds an endstone positioned over the balance assembly.

A regulation scale marked 'Fast' and 'Slow' is visible on the plate work for timing adjustment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement plate is engraved 'Cornhill LONDON' and 'Barraud'.”
  • “Engraved balance cock carries an endstone over the balance assembly.”
  • “Regulator scale is marked 'Fast' and 'Slow'.”

Case Markings and Assembly

The movement is housed inside a hinged case back bearing British hallmarks and an 'A.L.D' sponsor or maker mark on its interior. Bonhams notes that this housing is a later custom-made case.

Additional hallmarks are partially visible on the bow of the pendant. An adjacent movement is also partially visible in the upper-left corner of the auction photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “within a later custom made case”
  • “Hinged case back interior displays an 'A.L.D' mark and British hallmarks.”
  • “Hallmarks are also partially visible on the bow of the pendant.”
  • “An adjacent movement is partially visible in the upper-left corner of the image frame.”

Open research questions

  • What specific assay office and date letter are recorded by the British hallmarks stamped inside the 'A.L.D' case back and on the bow?
  • What is the condition and appearance of the dial and hands, which are not depicted in the listing photograph?
  • What specific escapement type is installed in Barraud movement number 4591?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Barraud pocket watch movement in later custom-made case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBarraud“Barraud.”
Movement Number4591“No.4591”
DateCirca 1810“Circa 1810”
Lot Number22“Lot 22”
DescriptionAn early 19th century watch movement within a later custom made case“An early 19th century watch movement within a later custom made case”

Visible details

  • Movement plate is engraved 'Cornhill LONDON' and 'Barraud'.
  • Regulator scale is marked 'Fast' and 'Slow'.
  • Engraved balance cock carries an endstone over the balance assembly.
  • Hinged case back interior displays an 'A.L.D' mark and British hallmarks.
  • Hallmarks are also partially visible on the bow of the pendant.
  • An adjacent movement is partially visible in the upper-left corner of the image frame.

Research qualifications

  • The auction text does not provide specific case dimensions or metal composition details.
  • The dial and hands are not depicted in the provided photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams : Barraud. An early 19th century watch movement within a later custom made caseNo.4591, Circa 1810

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 052a771437

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.