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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

English 18k Gold Keyless Wind Half-Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This English half-hunter pocket watch, hallmarked in London in 1927, is constructed with a 50mm diameter five-piece hinged case made of 18 carat gold. The watch has a gross weight of 113 grams. The front cover features a blue enamel Roman numeral chapter ring, which enables the user to view the time without opening the case. The white dial itself is unsigned. Internally, the watch utilizes a keyless winding mechanism and a three-quarter plate movement. The technical specification includes a lever escapement, a bimetallic split balance, and an overcoil balance spring. The back cover is engraved with the initials FFG. Additionally, the internal cuvette features a commemorative inscription documenting that the watch was presented in 1940 to Lt. Col. Sir Francis Fetherston Godley by branches in the Midland Area of the British Legion, expressing gratitude for his service on behalf of ex-service personnel.

Front view of the 18 carat gold half-hunter pocket watch showing the blue enamel chapter ring on the outer cover.
Front view of the 18 carat gold half-hunter pocket watch showing the blue enamel chapter ring on the outer cover. — Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1927
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

Case and Dial Construction

The timepiece is housed in a substantial five-piece hinged case composed of 18 carat gold. It measures 50mm in diameter and has a total weight of 113 grams. The watch is configured as a half-hunter, characterized by a hinged front cover featuring a central aperture.

The exterior of this front cover is decorated with a blue enamel chapter ring containing Roman numerals, allowing the time to be determined without opening the watch. The internal white dial, which is protected when the front cover is closed, is reported as unsigned.

Evidence for this section
  • “substantial five-piece hinged case crafted from 18 carat gold”
  • “front cover is distinguished by a blue enamel Roman numeral chapter ring”
  • “white dial is unsigned”

Movement and Technical Features

The watch is powered by a keyless winding mechanism. The underlying movement is described as a three-quarter plate calibre, which was a standard configuration for English pocket watches of the period.

Technical components within the movement include a bimetallic split balance, an overcoil balance spring, and a lever escapement.

Evidence for this section
  • “utilizes a keyless wind mechanism powering a three-quarter plate movement”
  • “equipped with a bimetallic split balance, an overcoil balance spring, and a lever escapement”

Inscriptions and Provenance

The case exterior displays the initials FFG engraved on the back cover. The internal cuvette bears an extensive inscription commemorating the presentation of the watch to Lt. Col. Sir Francis Fetherston Godley.

The item was gifted in 1940 by branches in the Midland Area of the British Legion, noting his work on behalf of ex-service men.

Evidence for this section
  • “back cover is engraved with the initials FFG”
  • “internal cuvette bears a commemorative inscription presented in 1940 to Lt. Col. Sir Francis Fetherston Godley”
  • “by branches in the Midland Area of the British Legion as a token of gratitude and appreciation”

Open research questions

  • Who is the manufacturer of the three-quarter plate movement?
  • What are the specific hallmark symbols present on the case, beyond the London 1927 assay?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English 18k Gold Keyless Wind Half-Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date1927“hallmarked in London in 1927”
Material18 carat gold“five-piece hinged case crafted from 18 carat gold”
Diameter50mm“measures 50mm in diameter”
Weight113g“gross weight of 113 grams”
MovementThree-quarter plate“powering a three-quarter plate movement”
EscapementLever“an overcoil balance spring, and a lever escapement”
ProvenanceLt. Col. Sir Francis Fetherston Godley“presented in 1940 to Lt. Col. Sir Francis Fetherston Godley by branches in the Midland Area of the British Legion”

Visible details

  • Front cover displays blue enamel Roman numerals around a central aperture.
  • Back cover is engraved with initials FFG.
  • The watch features a bow for a watch chain attached to the crown.

Research qualifications

  • The movement maker is not identified in the source text.
  • The source classifies the record status as 'partial' and 'probable'.

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

Consulted source

English 18k gold keyless wind half hunter pocket watch, 1927

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c51d918abb

Terms in this record

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

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