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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Full hunter fusee pocket watch

Full Hunter Fusee Railway Timepiece

Partially verified

This 1849 full hunter pocket watch is crafted from 18k yellow gold and measures 55 mm in diameter. The timepiece operates via a keywind fusee lever movement and includes a dust cover. The exterior of the case features an engraving of a railway locomotive on the front cover, a belt and buckle motif on the rear, and floral patterns along the edges. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, blued steel Fleur-de-Lys-style hands, and a portrait of James C. Robinson. The dial is inscribed with the text 'Railway Timekeeper' and signed by maker Joseph Sewill of Liverpool. The watch features an internal presentation engraving dated 1852 to James C. Robinson, with a further 1909 inscription. The movement is reported to include a Liverpool jewelling and a cut compensation balance.

The open full hunter case revealing the white enamel dial, portrait, and Roman numerals.
The open full hunter case revealing the white enamel dial, portrait, and Roman numerals. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Full hunter fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Jos. Sewill
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1849
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
20157

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 Exterior Decoration

The watch is housed in a 55 mm full hunter case constructed from 18k yellow gold. The front cover is decorated with an engraving of a railway locomotive, including a carriage and coal store. The back cover is engraved with a belt and buckle design, and the perimeter of the case is finished with floral motifs.

The interior of the case contains two specific inscriptions. The first reads 'James C Robinson Springfield Illinois 1852', and the second reads 'R Walker Briscoe Kansas 1909'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The exquisite front cover of the case is adorned with an elaborately engraved railway locomotive”
  • “The rear cover features a belt and buckle motif”
  • “The inner case bears an interesting presentation engraving that reads, "James C Robinson Springfield Illinois 1852”

Dial and Hands

The white enamel dial features Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel hands in a Fleur-de-Lys style. The dial is marked with the text 'Railway Timekeeper' and 'JOS SEWILL LIVERPOOL 20157'.

Additionally, the dial features a printed portrait of James C. Robinson. The watchmaker, Joseph Sewill, is identified on the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white enamel dial of the watch is adorned with Roman numerals and features blued steel Fleur-de-Lys-style hands.”
  • “It is inscribed with the words 'Railway Timekeeper,' in distinctive red writing”
  • “The watchmaker, Joseph Sewill of Liverpool, is also noted on the dial.”

Movement and Technical Features

The watch utilizes a keywind fusee lever movement. The mechanism incorporates a cut compensation balance and what is referred to as 'Liverpool Jewelling'.

The movement is accessed via an original dust cover located at the front of the watch. The maker's signature and the serial number are present on the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The keywind fusee lever movement of the watch is a true masterpiece.”
  • “It features a large Liverpool Jewelling and a cut compensation balance”
  • “comes complete with an original dust cover that opens from the front of the watch.”

Open research questions

  • What is the archival documentation confirming the link between the serial number 20157 and Joseph Sewill’s production records for 1849?
  • Are there records of Joseph Sewill producing specific 'Railway Timekeeper' labeled watches for the U.S. market in the mid-19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Full Hunter Fusee Railway Timepiece
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJoseph Sewill“The watchmaker, Joseph Sewill of Liverpool, is also noted on the dial.”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18kt yellow gold keywind fusee railway watch”
Diameter55 mm“55mm full hunter”
Movement typeKeywind fusee lever“The keywind fusee lever movement of the watch is a true masterpiece.”
OriginUnited Kingdom“Place of Origin: United Kingdom”
InscriptionJames C Robinson Springfield Illinois 1852“The inner case bears an interesting presentation engraving that reads, "James C Robinson Springfield Illinois 1852”

Visible details

  • Front case cover depicts an engraved locomotive
  • Dial includes a photographic portrait of a man
  • Blued steel hands feature a Fleur-de-Lys pattern
  • Movement serial number 20157 is visible on the dial

Research qualifications

  • Attribution of the portrait as James C. Robinson is based on seller description
  • Historical claims regarding the watch as a 'gift' for a specific occasion are speculative interpretations

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

Consulted source

Massive Yellow Gold Keywind Fusee Railway Timepiece - 1849

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 662e4b855b

Terms in this record

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