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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Balance cock

Georgian pocket watch balance cock

Partially verified

This individual horological component is a Georgian pocket watch balance cock reported by the seller to date to circa 1810. Rendered in yellow metal, the balance cock features openwork piercing and engraving on its circular table, exhibiting foliate scrolls, floral motifs, and a pierced scalloped outer border. Above the foot, engraved decoration includes a grotesque mask design. The flared foot is engraved with scrollwork and pierced with mounting and locating holes. According to the dealer, the component measures 31 mm by 19 mm.

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 via Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Component · Balance cock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
AM379 (AB-265507)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm265507
Source-reported date
c1810
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

Object Classification and Dimensions

The item is described by the seller as a "Georgian balance cock" under the title "Georgian pocket watch balance cock c1810". It is catalogued under the period "19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)".

According to the listing, the component "Measures 31mm x 19mm". It is offered as a loose individual component without an accompanying watch movement or case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Georgian pocket watch balance cock c1810”
  • “This is a Georgian balance cock”
  • “Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
  • “Measures 31mm x 19mm”

Ornamentation and Observed Features

The dealer records that "The cock is decorated with pierced and engraved work featuring a grotesque face and flowers and a pierced border".

Direct visual observation records a golden-toned metal component with openwork foliate and floral piercing on the circular table, alongside a small central setting aperture. An engraved grotesque face motif is visible on the neck connecting the table and the flared foot, and the foot is decorated with engraved scrolling motifs and contains circular mounting apertures.

Evidence for this section
  • “The cock is decorated with pierced and engraved work featuring a grotesque face and flowers and a pierced border”
  • “Golden-toned metal balance cock with openwork foliate and floral piercing on the circular table.”
  • “Engraved grotesque face motif positioned on the neck between the table and the foot.”
  • “Flared foot engraved with scrolling motifs and featuring circular mounting apertures.”
  • “Small central setting aperture visible on the table.”

Dealer Reference and Context Limitations

The item is listed by dealer Atlam Watches under reference code "AM379 (AB-265507)".

The source does not specify the base metal alloy or plating type for the golden-toned metal. Furthermore, maker signatures, movement serial numbers, and geographic origin are not recorded in this listing, and only the upper face is illustrated, leaving the reverse side undocumented.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dealer Atlam Watches”
  • “Code AM379 (AB-265507)”

Open research questions

  • What specific base alloy and finish or gilding method was used to produce the golden-toned balance cock?
  • Does the unillustrated reverse side retain locating/steady pins, maker marks, or jewel setting components?
  • Can the grotesque face motif and foliate piercing style be matched to a specific watchmaking region or workshop?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Georgian pocket watch balance cock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Item TypeGeorgian balance cock“This is a Georgian balance cock”
DecorationPierced and engraved work featuring a grotesque face and flowers and a pierced border“The cock is decorated with pierced and engraved work featuring a grotesque face and flowers and a pierced border”
Dimensions31mm x 19mm“Measures 31mm x 19mm”
Period19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)“Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
Dealer CodeAM379 (AB-265507)“Code AM379 (AB-265507)”
DealerAtlam Watches“Dealer Atlam Watches”

Visible details

  • Golden-toned metal balance cock with openwork foliate and floral piercing on the circular table.
  • Engraved grotesque face motif positioned on the neck between the table and the foot.
  • Flared foot engraved with scrolling motifs and featuring circular mounting apertures.
  • Small central setting aperture visible on the table.

Research qualifications

  • Dealer does not state the metal purity or plating specifics.
  • Movement maker and exact country of manufacture are not identified in the listing.
  • Reverse side is not depicted.

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

Consulted source

Georgian pocket watch balance cock c1810 in Misc

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7eb705c597

Terms in this record

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

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