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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch

James McCabe 18ct gold key wind open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This is an 18ct gold key wind open face pocket watch catalogued by Bonhams under lot 6. The source describes it as having a duplex escapement, numbered 02893, with a London hallmark for 1857. An open view of the watch displays a gilded movement signed by James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, alongside an open gold case back and hinged bezel ring.

Movement and open case of the James McCabe pocket watch
Movement and open case of the James McCabe pocket watch — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
James McCabe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
6
Source-reported date
1857
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
02893

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 Classification

The timepiece is catalogued as an open-face key wind pocket watch by James McCabe, bearing number 02893. According to the auction listing title, the watch dates to 1857 based on a reported London hallmark.

The auction source lists the case material as 18ct gold. While McCabe's London location is reflected in movement plate engravings, further contextual background regarding the workshop or country of manufacture is not detailed in the auction text.

Evidence for this section
  • “James McCabe. An 18ct gold key wind open face pocket watch with duplex escapement no.02893, London hallmark for 1857”

Movement and Mechanical Details

Direct visual inspection shows an exposed gilt movement top plate engraved with 'Jas McCabe' and 'Royal Exchange London' together with a serial number. A balance wheel and endstone assembly are visible beneath the balance cock.

The source catalogues the movement as featuring a duplex escapement. Because only a single static photograph of the movement side is provided, the mechanical escapement type remains source-reported and is not independently confirmed by dynamic examination.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt movement top plate is engraved with 'Jas McCabe' and 'Royal Exchange London' along with a serial number.”
  • “A balance wheel with endstone assembly is visible beneath the balance cock.”
  • “duplex escapement”

Case Observations and Cataloguing Limitations

The case is catalogued as 18ct gold in an open-face configuration. The available photograph shows the hinged outer gold case back and an inner glazed or protective bezel ring opened to reveal the movement.

Documentation in the provided record is incomplete. The dial side, including numerals and hands, is not depicted in the image. Furthermore, the reported 1857 London hallmark is not visible in the illustration and is not recorded in detail beyond the cataloguing title.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hinged outer gold case back and inner glazed/protective bezel ring are opened, revealing the movement.”
  • “18ct gold”
  • “London hallmark for 1857”

Open research questions

  • What are the appearance, material, and layout of the dial and hands on the unillustrated front side?
  • What specific hallmarks and maker's marks are stamped inside the gold case back?
  • Can direct mechanical examination confirm the presence and condition of the duplex escapement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James McCabe 18ct gold key wind open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJames McCabe“James McCabe”
Case material18ct gold“18ct gold”
Winding mechanismKey wind“key wind”
EscapementDuplex escapement“duplex escapement”
Serial number02893“no.02893”
Hallmark date1857“London hallmark for 1857”
Winding configurationKey wind“key wind”

Visible details

  • Hinged outer gold case back and inner glazed/protective bezel ring are opened, revealing the movement.
  • Gilt movement top plate is engraved with 'Jas McCabe' and 'Royal Exchange London' along with a serial number.
  • A balance wheel with endstone assembly is visible beneath the balance cock.

Research qualifications

  • The dial side and hands are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • The duplex escapement and hallmark date of 1857 are source-reported and cannot be fully confirmed by visual inspection alone.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : James McCabe. An 18ct gold key wind open face pocket watch with duplex escapement no.02893, London hallmark for 1857

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8a3a686aed

Terms in this record

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

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