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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch

E. J. Dent 18k gold keyless wind full hunter pocket watch

Partially verified

This 18k gold full hunter pocket watch, produced by E. J. Dent of 33 Cockspur Street, London, dates to 1861 based on its London hallmark. The watch utilizes a keyless winding mechanism to drive a gilt 3/4 plate English lever movement, which is identified by the number 23427. This movement features a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance and a diamond end stone. The watch is encased in an 18k gold housing measuring 48mm in diameter, which exhibits foliate engraving on the exterior. The silvered dial is decorated with engraved foliate motifs at its center and border, incorporating applied foliate embellishments. It features black Roman numeral hour markers, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and blued steel spade hands. The case back is stamped with the initials W.S. and the serial number 23421, while the maker's signature appears on both the dial and the movement.

Front view of the E. J. Dent 18k gold full hunter pocket watch showing the engraved silvered dial, applied gold foliate elements, and blued steel hands.
Front view of the E. J. Dent 18k gold full hunter pocket watch showing the engraved silvered dial, applied gold foliate elements, and blued steel hands. — 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
E. J. Dent
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1861
Source-reported place
London, England
Source-reported serial
23421

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 an 18k gold full hunter case measuring 48mm in diameter. The exterior of the case is decorated with foliate engraving. The case back bears the stamp W.S. and is numbered 23421.

The dial is finished in silver and features fine engraving combined with applied foliate motifs positioned at the center and border. It displays black Roman numeral hour markers and is fitted with blued steel spade hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is integrated at the 6 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case, measuring 48mm in diameter, is decorated with foliate engraving and is signed by the maker on both the dial and movement, with the case back stamped W.S. and numbered 23421.”
  • “Its silvered dial is finely engraved and decorated with applied foliate motifs at the center and border, complemented by black Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.”

Movement and Escapement

The timekeeping is provided by a gilt 3/4 plate English lever movement. The mechanism is operated via a keyless winding system. Technical components of the movement include a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, intended for thermal regulation, and a diamond end stone.

The movement is identified by the number 23427, which differs from the case serial number recorded on the exterior. The maker has applied their signature to the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is powered by a gilt 3/4 plate English lever movement, numbered 23427, which incorporates a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance and a diamond end stone.”
  • “The watch features a keyless winding mechanism.”

Signatures and Marks

The watch is marked with a London hallmark corresponding to the year 1861. The signature of E. J. Dent is present on both the dial and the movement of the watch, confirming the maker's attribution.

The case back contains an individual number 23421, while the internal movement is assigned the number 23427. The initials W.S. are also visible on the case back.

Evidence for this section
  • “This 18k gold full hunter pocket watch was manufactured by E. J. Dent of 33 Cockspur Street, London, featuring a London hallmark for 1861.”
  • “the case back stamped W.S. and numbered 23421.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific identity of the 'W.S.' initials stamped on the case back?
  • Does the discrepancy between the case number and movement number suggest a factory assembly variation or later component replacement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. J. Dent 18k gold keyless wind full hunter pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerE. J. Dent“manufactured by E. J. Dent of 33 Cockspur Street, London”
Material18k gold“18k gold full hunter pocket watch”
MovementGilt 3/4 plate English lever“gilt 3/4 plate English lever movement”
Movement Number23427“numbered 23427”
Case Number23421“numbered 23421”
Date1861“London hallmark for 1861”
Case Size48mm“measuring 48mm in diameter”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial featuring applied foliate decoration
  • Blued steel spade hands
  • Foliate engraving on the exterior of the gold case
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The discrepancy between case number 23421 and movement number 23427 is noted without further explanation
  • Attribution of the initials 'W.S.' on the case back remains unverified

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

Consulted source

E. J. Dent 18k gold keyless wind full hunter pocket watch, London 1861

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f9cbcdd8de

Terms in this record

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

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