Pocket watch · Verge & pair-cased watch

George II provincial silver pair-cased verge pocket watch by Jonathan Stripe

Partially verified

This George II provincial silver pair-cased verge pocket watch is attributed by the source to Jonathan Stripe of Chichester, made for John Hammond of Havant and dated 1752. The timepiece features an unusual silver champlevé 'name' dial, where the letters of 'IOHN HAMMOND' replace standard Roman numerals, accented by a fleur-de-lys motif at twelve o'clock and outer Arabic five-minute numerals within cartouches. The source reports that it is powered by a gilt full-plate fusee movement featuring baluster pillars, Tompion-type regulation, and a pierced balance cock engraved with foliate scrolls and a grotesque mask.

Front view of the George II silver pair-cased pocket watch showing the champlevé 'IOHN HAMMOND' name dial — Dreweatts. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: auctions.dreweatts.com
Category: Pocket watch · Verge & pair-cased watch
Form: Pair-cased verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Jonathan Stripe
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 1093
Source-reported date: 1752
Source-reported place: United Kingdom
Source-reported serial: 1694

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 Provenance

The watch is identified as the work of Jonathan Stripe, recorded as working in Chichester circa 1742. It is inscribed for John Hammond of Havant and dated 1752.

The gilt full-plate fusee movement bears the signature 'Jn'o, Stripe, CHICHESTER' and the serial number 1694. The outer case is engraved with the monogram 'I*H' and the date 1767.

Evidence for this section

“JONATHAN STRIPE, CHICHESTER, FOR JOHN HAMMOND, HAVANT, DATED 1752”
“opposing signature Jn'o, Stripe, CHICHESTER, and numbered 1694”
“Jonathan Stripe is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working in Chichester circa 1742.”
“engraved with monogram I*H over date 1767 to rear cover”

Dial Construction

The silver champlevé dial features the name 'IOHN HAMMOND' in place of traditional Roman numerals, with a fleur-de-lys motif at the twelve o'clock position. The outer track displays Arabic numerals within cartouches for five-minute intervals.

Two curved panels at the center of the dial are engraved with 'HAVANT' and '1752'. The dial is fitted with blued steel beetle and poker hands.

Evidence for this section

“the silver champleve dial with two curved panels engraved HAVANT, 1752 to the centre, within chapter ring composed of the name IOHN HAMMOND”
“incorporating a fleur-de-lys motif at twelve o'clock and with cartouche Arabic five minute numerals to outer track”
“with sculpted blued steel beetle and poker hands”

Movement and Case

The gilt movement features four square-section baluster pillars, a scroll-pierced stop-iron block, and a verge escapement with a sprung three-arm brass balance and Tompion-type regulation. The balance cock is pierced and engraved with foliate scrolls and a grotesque mask.

The silver inner case features a suspension post and bow; the source notes the maker's mark on this case is indistinct. The outer case has a moulded rim.

Evidence for this section

“The gilt full plate fusee movement with four square section baluster pillars”
“fine asymmetrical foliate scroll pierced and engraved balance cock with grotesque mask”
“inner case marked with indistinct makers mark only”
“the outer case with moulded rim”

Open research questions

What is the function of the small spare hole in the movement backplate adjacent to the serial number?
Does the 1767 date on the outer case correspond to documented ownership or repair history for this specific object?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George II provincial silver pair-cased verge pocket watch by Jonathan Stripe
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker and Inscription	Jonathan Stripe, Chichester, for John Hammond, Havant, dated 1752	“JONATHAN STRIPE, CHICHESTER, FOR JOHN HAMMOND, HAVANT, DATED 1752”
Movement Number	1694	“opposing signature Jn'o, Stripe, CHICHESTER, and numbered 1694”
Dial Construction	Silver champlevé 'name' dial	“the silver champleve dial with two curved panels engraved HAVANT, 1752 to the centre, within chapter ring composed of the name IOHN HAMMOND”
Hands	Blued steel beetle and poker hands	“with sculpted blued steel beetle and poker hands”
Dimensions	Pillar plate 3.6 cm; inner case 4.2 cm; outer case 5 cm	“The pillar plate 3.6cm (1.375ins) diameter, the inner case 4.2cm (1.675ins) diameter; the outer case 5cm (2ins) diameter.”
Case Dimensions	Pillar plate 3.6 cm; inner case 4.2 cm; outer case 5 cm	“The pillar plate 3.6cm (1.375ins) diameter, the inner case 4.2cm (1.675ins) diameter; the outer case 5cm (2ins) diameter.”

Visible details

Silver champlevé dial displays the name 'IOHN HAMMOND' in place of traditional Roman hour numerals.
Central panels of the dial are engraved with 'HAVANT' and the date '1752'.
Outer chapter track displays Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals housed in decorative cartouches.
Fitted with dark blued steel beetle and poker hands.
Pair case is crafted in silver with a suspension post and bow at the 12 o'clock position.

Research qualifications

Source notes the maker's mark on the inner case is indistinct.
Source condition report notes the suspension post has been re-attached with an added oval plate, and the outer case shows creasing, shallow denting, and a slight split.

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