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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Balance cock

Georgian Personalised Pocket Watch Balance Cock

Partially verified

This antique horological component is a personalised pocket watch balance cock dated by the dealer to circa 1810 during the Georgian period. The gilt metal balance cock features openwork pierced foliate decoration surrounding an endstone setting, mounted above an oval cartouche engraved with monogram initials. Its broad curved base plate is engraved with the name 'Terrence Finsbury', described by the dealer as the name of either the maker or owner. Measuring 36 mm by 38 mm, the piece is catalogued by dealer Atlam Watches under reference AM267.

Top view of the pierced and engraved Georgian pocket watch balance cock
Top view of the pierced and engraved Georgian pocket watch balance cock — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Component · Balance cock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
AM267 (AB-243029)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm243029
Source-reported date
c. 1810
Country
Not established

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 Cataloguing

This component is listed as a personalised pocket watch balance cock dated by dealer Atlam Watches to circa 1810 during the Georgian era. It is catalogued under dealer item code AM267 (AB-243029) and listed within the Antique Pocket Watches section.

The dealer description highlights its dimensions, measuring 36mm by 38mm, noting it as a Georgian balance cock with a "huge base".

Evidence for this section
  • “Rare Georgian personalised pocket watch balance cock c1810”
  • “Code AM267 (AB-243029)”
  • “Measures 36mm x 38mm”
  • “The cock is decorated with pierced and engraved work and has a huge base.”

Visual Ornamentation and Inscription

Direct visual observation of the piece shows pierced and engraved scrolling foliate openwork surrounding a central circular rosette and endstone setting, positioned above an oval cartouche bearing engraved cursive initials.

The curved base plate features border engraving and four circular apertures, alongside cursive script reading "Terrence Finsbury". The listing notes that the base is engraved with the "maker’s or owners name and initials".

Evidence for this section
  • “Pierced and engraved scrolling foliate openwork surrounds a central circular rosette and endstone setting.”
  • “An oval cartouche positioned below the cock table displays engraved cursive initials.”
  • “The curved base plate contains four circular apertures and border engraving, along with cursive script reading 'Terrence Finsbury'.”
  • “The base is engraved with the maker’s or owners name and initials “Terrence Finsbury””

Source Information and Documentation Limits

The listing provides no details regarding the original watch calibre, escapement type, or specific base metal composition. Furthermore, only the upper decorative surface is shown in the listing photograph, leaving the reverse unrecorded in this source.

The source explicitly notes uncertainty regarding whether the engraved name "Terrence Finsbury" refers to the watchmaker or the original owner. The period classification of "19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)" and date of "c1810" reflect seller attribution rather than independent archival verification.

Evidence for this section
  • “The base is engraved with the maker’s or owners name and initials “Terrence Finsbury””
  • “Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
  • “Rare Georgian personalised pocket watch balance cock c1810”

Open research questions

  • Does historical horological literature or trade records list 'Terrence Finsbury' as an active watchmaker, or was he an individual commissioning a watch?
  • What specific watch movement calibre or escapement corresponds to the 36mm x 38mm footprint and four-hole base configuration?
  • Are there any batch numbers, scratchmarks, or stampings on the underside of the balance cock not shown in the single listing photograph?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Georgian Personalised Pocket Watch Balance Cock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions36mm x 38mm“Measures 36mm x 38mm”
Dealer Item CodeAM267 (AB-243029)“Code AM267 (AB-243029)”
Period19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)“Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
Engraved InscriptionTerrence Finsbury“The base is engraved with the maker’s or owners name and initials “Terrence Finsbury””
DealerAtlam Watches“Dealer Atlam Watches”
Catalog ReferenceAM267 (AB-243029)“Code AM267 (AB-243029)”
Period Attribution19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)“Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”

Visible details

  • Pierced and engraved scrolling foliate openwork surrounds a central circular rosette and endstone setting.
  • An oval cartouche positioned below the cock table displays engraved cursive initials.
  • The curved base plate contains four circular apertures and border engraving, along with cursive script reading 'Terrence Finsbury'.

Research qualifications

  • The dealer explicitly notes uncertainty as to whether 'Terrence Finsbury' designates the maker or the original owner.
  • The listing does not specify the base metal composition or original movement calibre.
  • Only the upper face of the balance cock is shown in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

Rare Georgian personalised pocket watch balance cock c1810 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5d7100965c

Terms in this record

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

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