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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Fusee pocket watch

F. & E. Massey 18ct Gold Fusee Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 19th-century English pocket watch is housed in an 18ct gold case measuring 47 mm in diameter. The dial features an elaborate central scrolling foliate pattern, applied Roman numerals, and a multi-toned foliate border around the chapter ring. The dealer reports that the watch is powered by a chain-driven fusee movement signed by London maker F. & E. Massey, and notes that the case bears English hallmarks including the date letter A.

Dial and case front view of the F. & E. Massey 18ct gold pocket watch
Dial and case front view of the F. & E. Massey 18ct gold pocket watch — Proantic / Bushells Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Pocket watch · Fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
F. & E. Massey
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1588836
Source-reported date
19th Century
Country
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

Dial and Aesthetic Construction

The dial is gold-toned with a central roundel featuring deeply engraved scrolling foliate decoration. The chapter ring is brushed with applied Roman numeral hour markers.

The outer edge of the dial is finished with an applied two-tone foliate and floral border. The bezel, case band, pendant, and bow exhibit ornate chasing, and the watch is fitted with dark-toned handset, including a spade hour hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold-toned dial featuring deeply engraved scrolling foliate decoration in the central roundel.”
  • “Applied Roman numeral hour markers on a brushed chapter ring.”
  • “Applied two-tone foliate and floral border surrounding the dial.”
  • “Ornate chasing on the bezel, case band, pendant, and bow.”
  • “Dark-toned handset with a spade hour hand.”

Mechanical Configuration

The watch is described by the dealer as containing a traditional chain-driven fusee movement signed by F. & E. Massey, London.

The internal mechanism, including the signature and fusee chain, is not visible in the supplied photography.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement : Traditional fusee chain-driven movement.”
  • “Signed F. & E. Massey, London .”

Case Specifications and Attribution

The case is composed of 18ct gold, measuring 47 mm in width and 7 mm in depth. It is reported to feature English assay marks indicating the gold purity and a date letter 'A'.

The attribution to the 19th century is provided by the dealer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case : Solid 18ct gold case, hallmarked with date letter A .”
  • “Measures 47mm wide x 7mm deep.”
  • “19th Century”

Open research questions

  • To which specific assay office and year cycle does the date letter 'A' refer?
  • Is there photographic documentation or an inspection report verifying the internal signature and fusee mechanism?
  • What specific archival records for F. & E. Massey provide provenance for the watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for F. & E. Massey 18ct Gold Fusee Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerF. & E. Massey, London“Maker : F. & E. Massey, London”
Movement TypeTraditional fusee chain-driven movement“Movement : Traditional fusee chain-driven movement.”
Case MaterialSolid 18ct gold“Case : Solid 18ct gold case, hallmarked with date letter A .”
Dimensions47mm wide x 7mm deep“Measures 47mm wide x 7mm deep.”

Visible details

  • Gold-toned dial featuring deeply engraved scrolling foliate decoration in the central roundel.
  • Applied Roman numeral hour markers on a brushed chapter ring.
  • Applied two-tone foliate and floral border surrounding the dial.
  • Ornate chasing on the bezel, case band, pendant, and bow.
  • Dark-toned handset with a spade hour hand.

Research qualifications

  • Movement signature, internal fusee mechanism, and hallmarks are source-reported and not visible in the supplied single photograph.
  • Precise hallmark year corresponding to date letter 'A' is not specified in the listing.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Large Antique Ornate 18ct Gold Fusee Pocket Watch F. E. Mass

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 9692b5577b

Terms in this record

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

Other fusee pocket watch records