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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair case pocket watch

John Mason Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gents pocket watch is a gold pair-case timekeeper signed by John Mason of London. Dating to circa 1802, the watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals. The outer gold case is decorated with ornate foliage and figures in relief. The movement is a key-wound type, designed with a fusee and chain mechanism and a verge escapement. The watch includes an internal dust cover or works cover, which bears hallmarks that assist in dating the piece to 1802, including a leopard's head, a crowned mark, and the date letter for that year. The object entered the collection via a transfer from the National Gallery of Victoria in 1939. It measures approximately 5.4 cm in outside diameter and

Front view of the gold pair case watch showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals.
Front view of the gold pair case watch showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Pocket watch · Pair case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Mason
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 20996
Source-reported date
circa 1802
Source-reported place
England

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 pair case, a common configuration for watches of this period, constructed from gold. The outer case is decorated with an ornate design featuring foliage and figures. The dial is composed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals for the hours.

The dimensions of the object are recorded as 5.4 cm in outside diameter and 3 cm in width, indicating the thickness of the case assembly. A piece of paper marked with the number '1820' was found inside the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold pair case. Outer case has ornate foliage and figures design.”
  • “White enamel dial has black roman numerals.”
  • “5.4 cm (Outside Diameter)”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece is driven by a key-wound spring mechanism. The power is transmitted to the movement through a fusee and chain arrangement, which provides consistent torque to the gear train. The movement incorporates a verge escapement, the primary form of escapement for watches of this era.

The movement is shielded by a works cover. This cover protects the internal components and serves as a location for hallmarking, which is crucial for identifying the year of manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “Key wound spring; verge escapement.”
  • “Fusee and chain.”
  • “Works cover has hallmark of leopard's head, crowned, capital g, lion passant = 1802.”

Signatures and Marks

The back of the case is inscribed with the maker's name, 'Jn. Mason, London', confirming the attribution to John Mason. The works cover features a set of English hallmarks confirming the origin and date of the object.

These marks include a leopard's head, a crown, a lion passant, and a capital 'g', which collectively date the assay of the gold to 1802. A maker's mark consisting of 'SI' over 'IL' is also identified on the works cover.

Evidence for this section
  • “Back case marked 'Jn. Mason, London'.”
  • “Works cover has hallmark of leopard's head, crowned, capital g, lion passant = 1802.”
  • “Maker's mark: 'SI' over 'IL'”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific identity of the maker represented by the mark 'SI' over 'IL'?
  • Does the internal paper marked '1820' refer to a repair date or a previous owner?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Mason Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohn Mason“John Mason, London”
Datecirca 1802“circa 1802”
Registration numberST 20996“ST 20996”
Case typeGold pair case“Gold pair case”
EscapementVerge“verge escapement”
Movement mechanismFusee and chain“Fusee and chain”
Hallmarks1802 London hallmark“hallmark of leopard's head, crowned, capital g, lion passant = 1802”

Visible details

  • Outer case features embossed figural and foliage decoration
  • Dial has black Roman numerals and a single remaining hand
  • Movement utilizes a fusee and chain
  • Works cover carries London hallmarks for 1802

Research qualifications

  • The exact significance of the '1820' paper insert remains unverified
  • The watch is described as a 'gents pocket watch', though historical context on its specific original owner is not provided

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch - John Mason, London, circa 1802

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9e5f21083e

Terms in this record

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

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