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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-winding pocket watch

H. Samuel Sterling Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This key-winding pocket watch features a sterling silver case and is signed H. Samuel Manchester on the white enamel dial. The timepiece measures 53 mm in diameter and operates with a key-wind and set movement. The movement plate is engraved with the signature and marked "Patent Action". The caseback includes an open, decorative shield intended for personal initials and shows minor signs of surface wear from use. The watch is accompanied by a 12-inch sterling silver hallmarked chain, a winding key, and a velvet presentation bag. The auction description notes that the watch is functional and that the case bears hallmarks for Chester, 1894, although the overall listing provides a contradictory approximate date of circa 1915. The white dial displays Roman numerals and contains faint hairlines.

Front view of the sterling silver pocket watch, including the dial, hands, subsidiary seconds, and the associated hallmarked silver chain.
Front view of the sterling silver pocket watch, including the dial, hands, subsidiary seconds, and the associated hallmarked silver chain. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-winding pocket watch
Maker / attribution
H. Samuel
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1894
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
42139

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 Dial

The watch is housed in a 53 mm sterling silver case featuring a double-hinge construction. The reverse side of the case exhibits a decorative, open shield meant to accommodate owner initials. The exterior shows light markings consistent with regular use.

The white dial is signed with the name 'H. Samuel Manchester'. It employs Roman numerals for the primary time display and includes a secondary dial positioned at the bottom for measuring seconds. The dial surface is noted to have a few faint hairlines that are described as barely perceptible.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is 53 mm in diameter”
  • “The dial is excellent and is signed H. Samuel Manchester. with a couple of very faint hairlines”

Movement and Mechanics

This timepiece utilizes a key-wind and key-set movement. The internal mechanism is revealed by opening the hinged case back. The movement plate is engraved with the company name, location, and the words 'Patent Action'.

According to the provided information, the watch is currently in a functional state.

Evidence for this section
  • “is a sterling silver double hinge key winding movement which is well running”

Signatures, Marks, and Accessories

The case interior bears official hallmarks indicating its origin in Chester in 1894, accompanied by the maker's mark for H. Samuel. The set is completed by a 12-inch sterling silver chain, which is also hallmarked.

Accompanying items provided with the watch include a dedicated winding key and a velvet presentation bag, facilitating the storage and winding of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “hallmarks inside both of the case backs for Chester 1894, with the makers mark for H. Samuel”
  • “Comes with a fine looking sterling silver hallmarked chain which is a nice long 12””

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive production date given the discrepancy between the 1894 Chester hallmark and the circa 1915 estimate?
  • What specific patent does the 'Patent Action' engraving on the movement plate refer to?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for H. Samuel Sterling Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerH. Samuel“signed H. Samuel Manchester”
Movement TypeKey-wind and set“Key wind & set”
Case MaterialSterling silver“sterling silver double hinge”
HallmarksChester 1894“hallmarks inside both of the case backs for Chester 1894”
Diameter53 mm“53 mm in diameter”
ConditionMinor marking from use“The case is in fine condition with just some minor marking from normal use.”

Visible details

  • Case back features an open, unengraved decorative shield
  • Movement plate is engraved 'MARKET ST MANCHESTER' and 'PATENT ACTION'
  • Dial includes a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position
  • Movement is secured within a hinged case arrangement

Research qualifications

  • The source provides conflicting dates of 1894 (hallmarks) and circa 1915
  • The exact functional status of the key-wind mechanism is reported as 'well running' but not technically certified

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره استرلینگ کوک با کلید H. Samuel Manchester با زنجیر

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 98459fb4a7

Terms in this record

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

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