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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Deck watch

Henry Frodsham English deck watch

Partially verified

This mid-19th-century English deck watch is signed on the dial by maker Henry Frodsham and measures 75 mm in diameter within a brass case featuring a screw bezel. The silvered dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minutes track, Arabic five-minute divisions, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and spade and poker hands. According to the auction description, the timepiece is powered by a 19-jewel key-wind and key-set gilt plate movement featuring a lever escapement and a cut bimetallic balance with gold timing screws.

Dial and brass screw-bezel case of the Henry Frodsham deck watch
Dial and brass screw-bezel case of the Henry Frodsham deck watch — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Pocket watch · Deck watch
Maker / attribution
Henry Frodsham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
411
Source-reported date
mid 19th century
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
46267

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 Presentation

This English deck watch is housed in a 75 mm brass case fitted with a screw bezel displaying coin-edged knurling along its outer rim. The auction catalog notes that the case surface exhibits a few minor dings, fine scratches, and areas of adhesive and label residue.

A particular fitment detail noted in the seller's condition report is that the bezel partially obscures the upper edges of the Arabic five-minute markers along the periphery of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass or gilt screw bezel featuring coin-edged knurling around the rim”
  • “in a brass case with screw bezel, roman numeral silvered dial signed "Henry Frodsham Eleve of Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London", gold spade and poker hands, serial #46267, 75mm”
  • “CASE: A few minor dings; Fine scratches; Adhesive and label residue; Bezel obscures tops of arabic five minute markers.”

Dial and Hands

The timepiece features a silvered dial centered with black Roman numeral hour indices, an outer track bordered by Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals, and a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. Time is indicated by gold spade and poker hands accompanied by a subsidiary seconds pointer.

The dial is inscribed across the upper portion with "HENRY FRODSHAM eleve of Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London." The seller's condition report describes minor marks and very fine scratches across the dial plate, while the hands are described as "Good."

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial inscribed 'HENRY FRODSHAM eleve of Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London.'”
  • “gold spade and poker hands, serial #46267, 75mm”
  • “DIAL: Minor marks and very fine scratches.”
  • “HANDS: Good.”

Reported Movement and Technical Details

Because the inner movement is not depicted in the provided imagery, its mechanical attributes rely entirely on the auction description. The catalog reports a 19-jewel, key-wind and key-set gilt plate movement equipped with a lever escapement and a cut bimetallic balance with gold timing screws.

The seller describes the movement plates as having minor dings, fine scratches, haze, and a minor gouge at the screw on the barrel bridge. For movement function, the catalog reports running order, noting that it winds, sets, and ticks.

Evidence for this section
  • “19 jewels, key wind and set gilt plate movement, with lever escapement and cut bimetallic balance with gold timing screws”
  • “MOVEMENT PLATES: Minor dings and fine scratches on plate; Plate with haze; Barrel bridge with minor gouge at screw.”
  • “MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Running order (winds, sets and ticks).”

Open research questions

  • What markings, serial numbers, or hallmarks are stamped on the interior surfaces of the brass case back and screw bezel?
  • Does the movement plate bear the serial number 46267 or any additional maker signatures matching the dial?
  • Is the brass case original to the movement and dial assembly, or does the bezel overlap of the five-minute markers suggest a replacement case or non-original bezel?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Henry Frodsham English deck watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial SignatureHenry Frodsham Eleve of Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London“signed "Henry Frodsham Eleve of Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London"”
Serial Number46267“serial #46267”
Jewel Count19 jewels“19 jewels”
CaseBrass case with screw bezel, 75mm“in a brass case with screw bezel, roman numeral silvered dial signed "Henry Frodsham Eleve of Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London", gold spade and poker hands, serial #46267, 75mm”
Hands Material and StyleGold spade and poker hands“gold spade and poker hands”
Escapement and BalanceLever escapement with cut bimetallic balance and gold timing screws“with lever escapement and cut bimetallic balance with gold timing screws”
Movement Operating ConditionRunning order (winds, sets and ticks)“MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Running order (winds, sets and ticks).”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with Roman numeral hour markers and outer track with Arabic five-minute numbers
  • Subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock
  • Spade and poker hands with a subsidiary seconds hand
  • Brass or gilt screw bezel featuring coin-edged knurling around the rim
  • Dial inscribed 'HENRY FRODSHAM eleve of Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London.'

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not visible in the provided image; movement specifications rely on source reporting.

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

Consulted source

A mid 19th century English deck watch signed Henry Frodsham sold at auction on 20th November | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 81d4ec0025

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

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