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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

English fusee detached lever pocket watch movement by John Harrison, Liverpool

Partially verified

This is an antique English fusee pocket watch movement attributed to circa 1830 and signed by John Harrison of Liverpool. The movement features a gilt 3/4 plate construction with a lever escapement and a gold balance wheel. The upper plate is engraved in cursive script with "Detached lever by John Harrison, Liverpool, No2464". Measuring 41 mm in diameter by 5 mm in thickness, the movement lacks a dial and motion work, leaving the engraved balance cock, regulator, and lower gear train fully visible.

Top plate view of the gilt English fusee lever movement by John Harrison, Liverpool
Top plate view of the gilt English fusee lever movement by John Harrison, Liverpool — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.atlam-watches.co.uk
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
John Harrison
Reference
ME152
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1830
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2464

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 Engravings

The item is an unmounted English fusee pocket watch movement bearing engraved cursive text across its gilt upper plate. The inscription reads "Detached lever by John Harrison, Liverpool, No2464", indicating the maker and numbering.

The vendor attributes the mechanism to circa 1830 and lists it under item code ME152, though this date remains a trade attribution rather than an independently documented production year.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is signed “Detached lever by John Harrison, Liverpool, No2464””
  • “English fusee detached lever movement. John Harrison, Liverpool c1830”

Visible Plate and Escapement Construction

The movement features a gilt 3/4 plate configuration secured by blued steel screws, with an exposed winding square projecting through the upper plate. Direct visual inspection shows an engraved gilt balance cock with a regulator scale and jewel endstone setting positioned over a gold balance wheel and visible escapement components.

The vendor text characterizes the unit as a "gilt 3/4 plate fusee movement" having a "lever escapement and a gold balance wheel." The seller also states that the mechanism has an intact chain and balance and "will tick", though this reflects vendor operating assertions.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt 3/4 plate fusee movement has a lever escapement and a gold balance wheel.”
  • “The movement has a a perfect chain and a good balance and will tick”

Physical Dimensions and Incomplete State

According to the source documentation, the movement measures 41 mm wide by 5 mm in thickness. It is offered solely as a movement without an associated watch case.

The listing explicitly notes that the movement has no dial and no motion work, meaning the hour and minute driving assembly is absent from the mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement measures 41mm wide x 5mm”
  • “The movement has no dial and no motion work.”

Open research questions

  • Do Liverpool watchmaker registries or trade directories confirm the active dates and address for John Harrison around 1830?
  • What specific jeweling arrangement and escapement design are visible on the pillar plate beneath the 3/4 plate?
  • Can comparable John Harrison movements in the serial range around 2464 establish the original dial and case configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English fusee detached lever pocket watch movement by John Harrison, Liverpool
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and Serial SignatureDetached lever by John Harrison, Liverpool, No2464“It is signed “Detached lever by John Harrison, Liverpool, No2464””
Movement ConstructionGilt 3/4 plate fusee with lever escapement and gold balance wheel“the gilt 3/4 plate fusee movement has a lever escapement and a gold balance wheel.”
Dimensions41mm wide x 5mm“The movement measures 41mm wide x 5mm”
Item CodeME152“Code : ME152”
Missing ElementsNo dial and no motion work“The movement has no dial and no motion work.”
Vendor Condition Rating95% mint condition (vendor claim)“The movement is in 95% mint condition – a beautiful example”

Visible details

  • Gilt 3/4 plate engraved in cursive script 'Detached lever by John Harrison, Liverpool, No2464'
  • Engraved gilt balance cock with regulator scale and jewel endstone setting
  • Gold balance wheel positioned over visible gear train wheels and escape wheel teeth
  • Gilt plate secured by blued steel screws
  • Winding square projecting through the upper plate

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the movement has no dial and no motion work
  • Reported 95% mint condition and circa 1830 date are vendor assessments

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

Consulted source

English fusee detached lever movement. John Harrison, Liverpool c1830

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8be58beb81

Terms in this record

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

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