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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair case pocket watch

Chased silver watch and pair case

Partially verified

This watch and pair case, held in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection (555&A-1901), is a silver horological object manufactured in London between 1690 and 1700. The timepiece is attributed to the maker John Bushman, whose signature, 'Bushman, London.', appears on the movement. The accompanying outer case was produced by the watchcase maker John Willoughby, identified by the mark 'IW'. Both the watch and its pair case are constructed from silver, utilizing decorative chasing techniques to create a relief effect. The design of the case features elaborate foliate scrollwork and ornamental motifs, which are arranged around central apertures. The object includes an integrated suspension loop attached to the hinge at the top of the circular housing. The assembly was formerly a component of the Shoppee Collection prior to its acquisition by the museum.

The chased silver watch and pair case (555&A-1901) showing the detailed scrollwork and suspension loop.
The chased silver watch and pair case (555&A-1901) showing the detailed scrollwork and suspension loop. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pair case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Bushman, John Willoughby
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
555&A-1901
Source-reported date
1690-1700
Source-reported place
London

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 object consists of a watch and a pair case fabricated in London. The primary construction material is silver, which has been worked using chasing techniques to achieve a detailed, textured surface. The circular housing features a hinge at the top, allowing for the opening of the case, and is surmounted by a suspension loop to facilitate carry or attachment to a chain.

The aesthetic presentation of the case involves dense, intricate foliate scrollwork combined with ornamental motifs. These decorative elements are layered across the surface and are organized around central apertures, which allow for a view into the interior. The surface treatment results in a characteristic silvery finish consistent with the period of production.

Evidence for this section
  • “chased silver watch and pair case created in London between 1690 and 1700”
  • “Crafted from silver using chasing techniques”
  • “embellished with detailed chased foliate scrollwork and ornamental motifs surrounding central apertures”

Signatures and Attribution

The horological mechanism is attributed to the maker John Bushman, a conclusion supported by the inclusion of his signature on the movement. The specific mark identified is 'Bushman, London.', serving as the primary evidence for the movement's origin.

The external protection for the watch, the pair case, is identified as the work of the watchcase maker John Willoughby. This attribution relies on the presence of the maker's mark 'IW' stamped onto the silver, which is associated with Willoughby's documented work. The combined effort of the movement and case makers situates the object within the London trade of the late seventeenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement was crafted by John Bushman”
  • “watch bears the movement signature 'Bushman, London.'”
  • “casemaker's mark 'IW', associated with Willoughby”

Provenance and Documentation

The object was entered into the Victoria and Albert Museum collection with the accession number 555&A-1901. Before it became part of this institution, the watch was held in the Shoppee Collection. The current record identifies the piece as a single watch and pair case unit.

The documentation provided is based on the museum's own internal records. While these records confirm the object's presence in the museum and its historical provenance, the specific details regarding its manufacture and the involvement of the named makers are presented as the museum's established identification for the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “formerly part of the Shoppee Collection before entering the museum's collection”
  • “Museum object number 555&A-1901”
  • “Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record”

Open research questions

  • What is the internal mechanism type (e.g., balance spring or verge escapement) behind the apertures?
  • Are there additional hallmarks present on the silver casing beyond the 'IW' maker's mark?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chased silver watch and pair case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object nameWatch and pair case“Watch and pair case”
Maker (movement)John Bushman“The movement was crafted by John Bushman”
Maker (case)John Willoughby“the case was produced by the watchcase maker John Willoughby”
Museum number555&A-1901“555&A-1901”
Date range1690-1700“created in London between 1690 and 1700”
SignatureBushman, London.“The watch bears the movement signature 'Bushman, London.'”
Case markIW“the casemaker's mark 'IW', associated with Willoughby.”
ProvenanceShoppee Collection“The watch was formerly part of the Shoppee Collection”

Visible details

  • Chased foliate scrollwork on the case surface
  • Visible hinge at the top of the case
  • Attached suspension loop for carrying
  • Central apertures within the decorative chasing

Research qualifications

  • The exact operational state of the movement is not described in the source
  • The degree of wear or loss to the silver chasing is not specified

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

Consulted source

Watch and pair case

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ea8f57b009

Terms in this record

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

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