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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Pocket watch pair case

English Silver Verge Pocket Watch Pair Case, Birmingham 1830

Partially verified

This item is an English silver pair case intended for a verge pocket watch, bearing silver hallmarks for Birmingham dated to 1830. Both the inner and outer cases feature a smooth plain finish. The inner case retains its original stem, bow, and hinged bezel, and internally retains a circular printed or manuscript watch paper. The outer case includes an opening at the neck for the inner case stem. According to the seller, the outer case has an external diameter of approximately 51 mm, while the inner case measures 45.2 mm externally.

Interior view of the silver outer case alongside the inner case showing its stem, bow, and interior paper
Interior view of the silver outer case alongside the inner case showing its stem, bow, and interior paper — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Component · Pocket watch pair case
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
CE41 (AB-223125)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm223125
Source-reported date
1830
Source-reported place
United Kingdom

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

Object Identity and Composition

This item is an English silver pair case intended for a verge pocket watch, featuring a smooth, plain finish on both the inner and outer cases. The inner case is equipped with a hinged bezel, and retains its original stem and bow.

The assembly is dated to 1830, based on silver hallmarks found on both cases, with the origin cited as Birmingham. The lot does not contain a watch movement, dial, or hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “silver hallmarks on both cases for Birmingham 1830”
  • “The inner case has a hinged bezel, original stem and bow”
  • “Both cases have a smooth plain finish”

Physical Measurements

The outer case has an external width of approximately 51 mm. The inner case measures 45.2 mm externally.

Internal measurements for the inner case include a bezel width of 40.8 mm and a main body width of 41.2 mm. The overall external depth of the inner case is 15 mm, which is reduced to 11.8 mm when excluding the bezel but including the back cover.

Evidence for this section
  • “External width of outer: 51mm”
  • “External width of inner: 45.2”
  • “Internal width of inner bezel: 40.8mm”
  • “Internal width of inner exc bezel; 41.2mm”
  • “External depth of inner, overall inc bezel: 15mm”
  • “External depth of inner minus bezel but including back cover 11.8mm”

Condition and Observations

The inner case back contains stamped hallmarks and etched or scratched marks. A winding or key hole is visible in the inner case back, and the interior lining contains an aged paper disc with handwritten text.

The outer case lacks its catch button and the clasp does not secure the bezel closed. The seller also reports deep bruises on the outer case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The interior of the inner case back displays stamped hallmarks and etched or scratched watchmaker marks.”
  • “A winding or key hole is visible in the inner case back.”
  • “The open outer case reveals an interior lining containing an aged paper disc with handwritten text.”
  • “The outer case is in 70% mint condition – deep bruises and no button and the clasp is not holding the bezel closed”

Open research questions

  • Can the etched or scratched marks on the inner case back be definitively linked to a professional watchmaker?
  • What is the content of the handwritten text on the internal paper disc?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Silver Verge Pocket Watch Pair Case, Birmingham 1830
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Hallmark Location and DateBirmingham 1830“silver hallmarks on both cases for Birmingham 1830”
Inner Case FeaturesHinged bezel, original stem and bow“The inner case has a hinged bezel, original stem and bow”
Case FinishSmooth plain finish“Both cases have a smooth plain finish”
External Width of Outer Case51mm“External width of outer: 51mm”
External Width of Inner Case45.2mm“External width of inner: 45.2”
Reference CodeCE41 (AB-223125)“Code CE41 (AB-223125)”

Visible details

  • The open outer case reveals an interior lining containing an aged paper disc with handwritten text.
  • The interior of the inner case back displays stamped hallmarks and etched or scratched watchmaker marks.
  • A winding or key hole is visible in the inner case back.
  • The rounded pendant bow and neck are affixed to the top of the inner case.

Research qualifications

  • No watch movement, dial, or hands are present; this lot consists solely of the pair case.
  • The seller notes that the outer case lacks its catch button and the clasp does not secure the bezel closed.
  • Maker's mark is not identified in the description text.

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

Consulted source

English silver PAIR CASE for a VERGE pocket watch c1830 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 9e0b0fb181

Terms in this record

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