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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Dumb cylinder repeater

De Lor dumb cylinder repeating pocket watch in silver case

Partially verified

This pocket watch is catalogued by the Science Museum Group as a dumb cylinder repeater in a silver case, catalogued under object number 1916-246. The source reports production in Geneva between 1840 and 1842, attributing the piece to De Lor under movement or case number 1414, with an 1842 hallmark. The dial features black Roman numerals and an outer track, showing a single blued steel hand; the source explicitly notes that the minute hand is missing. A collection tag bearing '1916 246' is secured to the bow.

Dial view of the De Lor dumb cylinder repeater pocket watch with missing minute hand, object 1916-246
Dial view of the De Lor dumb cylinder repeater pocket watch with missing minute hand, object 1916-246 — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Dumb cylinder repeater
Maker / attribution
De Lor
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1916-246
Source-reported date
1840-1842
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1414

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

Identity and Institutional Attribution

The object is catalogued by the Science Museum Group as a dumb cylinder repeater under Object Number 1916-246, with credit listed to Mr. Evan Roberts. The museum record attributes the piece to De Lor and records the identifier "no.1414".

The institutional entry lists production as taking place between 1840 and 1842 in Geneva and notes that it is hallmarked 1842 in a silver case. Because internal components and inner case markings are not depicted in the source imagery, these dates, places, and hallmark details derive solely from the catalogue text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Repeater in silver case by De Lor no.1414 (in case) dumb, Geneva cylinder, hall marked 1842”
  • “Made: 1840-1842 in Geneva”
  • “credit: Mr. Evan Roberts”

Visible Case and Dial Characteristics

Direct visual inspection shows a white dial calibrated with bold black Roman numeral hour indices, framed by an outer perimeter track marked with diamond and dot accents. A single blued steel hand is fitted to the central arbor, visually confirming the museum record's note that the minute hand is missing.

The silver-toned case features a band decorated with a fine reeded or engine-turned texture. Attached to the pendant and bow is a physical metal collection tag inscribed with the number "1916 246".

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with bold black Roman numeral hour indices”
  • “Outer perimeter track marked with diamond and dot accents”
  • “Single blued steel hand fitted at the central arbor, with the minute hand absent”
  • “Silver-toned pendant and bow with an attached metal museum inventory tag reading '1916 246'”

Mechanism Description and Evidentiary Boundaries

The collection entry describes the movement as a "dumb, Geneva cylinder" repeater and classifies the piece under the types "pocket watch and cylinder watch".

Because the watch is photographed from the dial side with the case closed, the internal escapement, repeating mechanism, movement condition, and specific hallmark stamps are not visible in the provided image and remain verified only through the museum documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “(minute hand missing)”
  • “dumb, Geneva cylinder, hall marked 1842”
  • “type: pocket watch and cylinder watch”

Open research questions

  • What specific assay or maker hallmarks are stamped inside the silver case to substantiate the 1842 date?
  • Where is the number '1414' marked on the movement or case, and are there additional signatures identifying De Lor?
  • What is the mechanical layout of the dumb repeating mechanism and cylinder escapement inside the closed case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for De Lor dumb cylinder repeating pocket watch in silver case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionDe Lor“Repeater in silver case by De Lor”
Number1414“no.1414”
Production date and origin1840-1842 in Geneva“Made: 1840-1842 in Geneva”
HallmarkHallmarked 1842“hall marked 1842”
Condition noteMinute hand missing“(minute hand missing)”
Object Number1916-246“Object Number: 1916-246”
Institutional creditMr. Evan Roberts“credit: Mr. Evan Roberts”
Museum classification typepocket watch and cylinder watch“type: pocket watch and cylinder watch”
CategoryTime Measurement“Category: Time Measurement”

Visible details

  • White dial with bold black Roman numeral hour indices
  • Outer perimeter track marked with diamond and dot accents
  • Single blued steel hand fitted at the central arbor, with the minute hand absent
  • Metal case band decorated with fine reeding or engine-turning pattern
  • Silver-toned pendant and bow with an attached metal museum inventory tag reading '1916 246'

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement and inner case hallmarks are not visible in the photograph
  • The minute hand is recorded as missing

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

Consulted source

Dumb cylinder repeater in case | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4bb45709cb

Terms in this record

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