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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch

Charles Frodsham 18K Gold Keyless Full Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold full hunter pocket watch is signed by the horologist Charles Frodsham, who operated from 84 Strand, London. Dated to 1891 by its London hallmark, the watch is designed as a keyless-wind model and features a polished case with a diameter of 49mm. The front cover of the hunter case includes a personal engraving. The watch is powered by an English lever movement with a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, identified by the movement serial number 07888, which corresponds to the case number. The white dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, a black outer minute track, and blued steel spade hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The timepiece is documented within the manufacturer's historical records and is provided with a fitted Charles Frodsham display case.

Front view of the Charles Frodsham 18K gold keyless full hunter pocket watch with case open to reveal the dial.
Front view of the Charles Frodsham 18K gold keyless full hunter pocket watch with case open to reveal the dial. — Bonhams, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charles Frodsham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1891
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
07888

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

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a polished 18K gold case of the full hunter type, which measures 49mm in diameter. The exterior of the front cover displays a personal engraving. The case is authenticated by a London hallmark dating to 1891.

The dial is white and features signed branding. The hours are indicated by black Roman numerals accompanied by a black outer minute track. Time is shown by blued steel spade hands, with a subsidiary seconds dial placed at the 6 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “housed in a polished gold case measuring 49mm in diameter, which includes a personal engraving on the front cover”
  • “London hallmark for 1891”
  • “The white dial is clearly signed and features black Roman numeral hour markers, a black outer minute track, and blued steel spade hands”

Movement and Serialisation

Internally, the piece is driven by an English lever movement. This mechanism incorporates a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance.

The watch is assigned the serial number 07888, which is consistent across both the movement and the watch case. Documentation regarding this specific timepiece is reportedly retained within the historical records of the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by an English lever movement with a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance”
  • “identified by the serial number 07888, which matches the case number”
  • “documented within the manufacturer's historical records”

Presentation and Documentation

The timepiece is offered with a fitted display case specifically identified as being from Charles Frodsham.

Historical evidence confirming the manufacture and identification of the watch is associated with the manufacturer's own internal archives. The piece originated from the address at 84 Strand, London.

Evidence for this section
  • “manufactured by the esteemed horologist Charles Frodsham of 84 Strand, London”
  • “presented in a fitted Charles Frodsham display case”
  • “documented within the manufacturer's historical records”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific text or motif of the personal engraving on the front cover?
  • Are there additional archival details available in the Frodsham records concerning the original client or sale location for movement 07888?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Frodsham 18K Gold Keyless Full Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCharles Frodsham“manufactured by the esteemed horologist Charles Frodsham”
Material18K gold“housed in a polished gold case”
HallmarkLondon, 1891“London hallmark for 1891”
Case diameter49mm“measuring 49mm in diameter”
Serial number07888“identified by the serial number 07888”
Movement typeEnglish lever“powered by an English lever movement”
BalanceCut and compensated bi-metallic“cut and compensated bi-metallic balance”

Visible details

  • Case includes a personal engraving on the front cover
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position
  • Movement serial number matches the case serial number
  • Dial features black Roman numerals and a minute track

Research qualifications

  • The exact nature of the personal engraving is not disclosed in the text
  • The current state of the internal mechanism remains unverified beyond the auction report

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

Consulted source

Charles Frodsham 18K gold keyless full hunter pocket watch, 1891

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cff613806d

Terms in this record

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

Other full hunter pocket watch records