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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch

Hyams & Hart Canterbury silver verge fusee pocket watch

Partially verified

This early 19th-century English pocket watch features a solid silver dome-style case hallmarked for London in 1820 with maker's mark 'SS'. The white dial displays Roman numerals and is fitted with gilt hands. According to the seller, the verge fusee movement is engraved 'Hyams and Hart Canterbury' alongside stock number 1535, featuring a balance platform with a jewel center. The watch is accompanied by a silver curb-link Albert chain with a shield-shaped fob hallmarked for Birmingham 1902, as well as a shaped watch key marked for J.W. Benson of London.

Dial view of the silver verge fusee pocket watch shown with its Albert chain, fob, and Benson key
Dial view of the silver verge fusee pocket watch shown with its Albert chain, fob, and Benson key — Spencer James Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Hyams & Hart Canterbury
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as703a245 / 987
Source-reported date
1820
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
1535

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 External Observations

The watch is housed in a solid silver dome-style case, which the source reports is hallmarked for London, 1820. The case features a maker’s mark of 'SS'. The seller notes minor surface scratching on the back of the case and indicates the press-button mechanism is functional.

The dial is described as white enamel and features black Roman numerals. The watch includes a heavy top loop with a hallmark, and the watch glass is reported to be in good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Solid silver dome-style case all fitting fine just a few surfaces scratches on the back”
  • “All Hallmarks in the case match for London 1820 with case makers mark SS”
  • “White dial still in great condition for its age”
  • “Good heavy top loop with Hallmark”
  • “watch glass all good”
  • “Press button works to open the back”

Movement

The verge fusee movement is described by the seller as being engraved with the maker's name 'Hyams and Hart Canterbury' and the stock number 1535. The movement is reported to feature a balance platform with a jewel center.

The seller reports the movement is in working condition, though this has not been independently verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch movement engraved with makers name Hyams and Hart Canterbury and stock no 1535”
  • “Beautiful Verge movement works well with a strong deep tick”
  • “balance platform with jewel center for extra protection”

Associated Accoutrements

The watch includes a silver curb-link Albert chain with a fob, hallmarked for Birmingham, 1902. The assembly has a stated weight of 41.5 grams. The source identifies these components as later additions.

A watch key marked for 'J.W. Benson of London' is also included with the set.

Evidence for this section
  • “Comes with much later Silver Albert Chain with Fob all Hallmarks for Birmingham 1902”
  • “Weight of the chain 41.5 grams”
  • “lovely old old Watch key by Benson of London”

Open research questions

  • Are there records of a silversmith with the mark 'SS' working in London in 1820?
  • Does the 'Hyams and Hart' name correspond to documented watchmakers or retailers in Canterbury during the early 19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hyams & Hart Canterbury silver verge fusee pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker engravingHyams and Hart Canterbury“Watch movement engraved with makers name Hyams and Hart Canterbury and stock no 1535”
Stock number1535“stock no 1535”
Hallmark dateLondon 1820“All Hallmarks in the case match for London 1820 with case makers mark SS”
Case maker markSS“case makers mark SS”
Chain hallmarksBirmingham 1902“Silver Albert Chain with Fob all Hallmarks for Birmingham 1902”
Chain weight41.5 grams“Weight of the chain 41.5 grams”
Case Hallmark dateLondon 1820“All Hallmarks in the case match for London 1820”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and outer track
  • Gilt hands, including a spade-tipped hour hand
  • Silver Albert curb-link chain with T-bar and shield-shaped fob
  • Shaped watch key stamped 'J.W. BENSON LUDGATE HILL & OLD BOND ST LONDON'

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, maker's signature, and case hallmarks are not visible in the provided image.
  • The silver Albert chain and Benson key are later accoutrements rather than contemporary with the 1820 watch.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Silver Verge Fusee With Albert Chain London 1820 as703a245 / 987

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 39b75830ae

Terms in this record

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

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