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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Watch case

Carved boxwood watch case

Partially verified

This English watch case, dated 1800-1820, is constructed from carved boxwood and is signed by Charles Bowley. The architectural design features a broken pediment decorated with egg and tongue and dentil mouldings, supported by two fluted Corinthian pilasters set above a carved floral scrollwork corbel. The central section incorporates a hinged door containing a circular opening intended to display a pocket watch. The interior of the enclosure is lined with faded green velvet, while the rear face consists of mahogany veneer. Each side of the exterior cabinet displays a carved cipher consisting of the letters C B L. The object stands 13.7 cm high and measures 8.6 cm in width. It was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum from the Trustees of the Massey-Mainwaring Estate.

A side-angle view of the carved boxwood watch case, displaying the hinged door, circular aperture, and the Corinthian pilasters.
A side-angle view of the carved boxwood watch case, displaying the hinged door, circular aperture, and the Corinthian pilasters. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Component · Watch case
Maker / attribution
Chas. Howley
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
522-1907
Source-reported date
1800-1820
Source-reported place
England

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

Construction and Design

The watch case is fashioned primarily from boxwood, featuring detailed ornamental carvings. The upper portion is defined by a broken pediment that includes egg and tongue and dentil mouldings. This structure rests upon two fluted Corinthian pilasters which themselves sit atop a corbel embellished with wavy stems and floral scrollwork.

A hinged door is located between the columns, providing access to the interior. The interior of the case is lined with green velvet, which is described as faded. The back of the casing is finished with mahogany veneer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Carved boxwood watch case”
  • “Surmounted by a broken pediment enriched with egg and tongue and dentil mouldings and supported on two fluted Corinthian pilasters resting on a corbel”
  • “Between the columns is a hinged door with a circular opening for a watch.”
  • “The inside of the case is lined with faded green velvet and the back is veneered with mahogany.”

Signatures and Identifiers

The object bears the signature of Charles Bowley, inscribed on the boxwood surface. Additionally, a cipher is visible on each side of the cabinet exterior.

The cipher is formed by the initials C B L, though their connection to any specific owner or history is not further detailed in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed Chas. Howley”
  • “On each side of the case is a cipher formed of the letters C B L.”

Provenance and Acquisition

The case entered the museum collection in 1907. It was obtained through a purchase from the Trustees of the Massey-Mainwaring Estate.

The object is recorded under the accession number 522-1907, which serves as its primary institutional identification.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accession number: 522-1907”
  • “Bought from the Trustees of the Massey-Mainwaring Estate.”

Open research questions

  • What is the intended identity represented by the C B L cipher?
  • Are there records of other watch cases produced by Charles Bowley from this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Carved boxwood watch case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Accession number522-1907“522-1907”
MakerCharles Bowley“Charles Bowley”
Date1800-1820“1800-1820”
OriginEngland“Place of origin: England (made)”
Height13.7 cm“Height: 13.7 cm”
Width8.6 cm“Width: 8.6 cm”
ProvenanceMassey-Mainwaring Estate“Bought from the Trustees of the Massey-Mainwaring Estate.”

Visible details

  • Hinged central door with circular watch aperture
  • Carved cipher featuring letters C B L
  • Faded green velvet lining inside the compartment
  • Mahogany veneer finish on the rear side

Research qualifications

  • The specific function of the C B L cipher remains unidentified
  • Exact placement of the signature is not explicitly described

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

Consulted source

Watch case

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1c724001c3

Terms in this record

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