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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Verge fusee pocket watch movement

Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement by W. Hartshorne

Partially verified

This item is an English Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement dated circa 1830. According to the seller, the gilt full plate movement is signed 'W Hartshorne, Broselley' and features a pierced balance cock ornamented with an urn of flowers and a grotesque mask. The white enamel dial features black Roman numerals and a dot minute track with star or floral accents at the quarter hours. The movement measures 44 mm across by 15 mm thick, retains a single gold-coloured hand, and displays a visible horizontal hairline fracture across the dial.

Dial view of the uncased verge fusee movement showing white enamel dial and single hand
Dial view of the uncased verge fusee movement showing white enamel dial and single hand — Atlam Watches / Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Movement · Verge fusee pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
W Hartshorne
Reference
ME140
Catalogue / lot identifier
AB-203370
Source-reported date
c. 1830
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

Identity and Attribution

This is an English verge fusee pocket watch movement attributed to the maker W. Hartshorne. The movement is signed with the maker's name and the location 'Broselley'.

The item is dated by the seller to circa 1830, which falls within the documented 19th-century Georgian period (1714 to 1837).

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is signed “W Hartshorne, Broselley””
  • “Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”

Technical Configuration

The mechanism is described as a gilt full plate verge fusee movement. It features a pierced watchcock decorated with a grotesque face and an urn of flowers. The seller reports that the movement retains a chain and balance, and describes the movement as 'ticking'.

The movement measures 44mm x 15mm. It is provided in an uncased state, with a top mounting hinge and bottom latch tab visible on the edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt full plate verge fusee movement has a beautiful pierced watchcock with a grotesque face and an urn of flowers”
  • “The movement measures 44mm x 15mm”
  • “Top mounting hinge and bottom latch tab are visible on the movement edge.”

Dial and Visual Features

The movement includes a white enamel dial marked with black Roman numeral hour indices. It features a single hand attached to the center arbor.

A horizontal hairline fracture is present, extending across the dial. The dial features a dot minute track with small floral or star motifs at the quarter-hour positions.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial featuring black painted Roman numeral hour indices.”
  • “Dot minute track with small floral or star motifs marking the 15, 30, 45, and 60 positions.”
  • “A horizontal hairline crack runs across the dial from near the center arbor toward the 9 o'clock edge.”

Open research questions

  • Does the location 'Broselley' refer to Broseley, Shropshire, and are there documented horological records for a maker by this name?
  • Does the movement's 'ticking' status indicate full functional capacity?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement by W. Hartshorne
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureW Hartshorne, Broselley“The movement is signed “W Hartshorne, Broselley””
Movement DescriptionGilt full plate verge fusee“gilt full plate verge fusee movement has a beautiful pierced watchcock with a grotesque face and an urn of flowers”
Dimensions44mm x 15mm“The movement measures 44mm x 15mm”
Dealer CodeME140 (AB-203370)“Code ME140 (AB-203370)”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring black painted Roman numeral hour indices.
  • Dot minute track with small floral or star motifs marking the 15, 30, 45, and 60 positions.
  • A single gold-toned heart-tipped pointer hand remains fitted to the center arbor.
  • A horizontal hairline crack runs across the dial from near the center arbor toward the 9 o'clock edge.
  • Top mounting hinge and bottom latch tab are visible on the movement edge.

Research qualifications

  • The movement plates and balance cock are not visible in the provided image.
  • A second hand is not present.
  • The movement is uncased.

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

Consulted source

Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement. TICKING c1830 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c863ec15de

Terms in this record

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

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