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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key wind full hunter pocket watch

Josh Sewill 18K Gold Key Wind Full Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This circa 1850 full hunter pocket watch by Josh Sewill of Liverpool features a 55mm 18K gold hinged case engraved with a train motif and foliate decoration. The white dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock, and a portrait of James Lewis Carroll Robinson positioned at 3 o'clock. Robinson was a Mexican-American War veteran and U.S. Congressman. The watch contains a gilt full-plate movement numbered 20157 with a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance and diamond endstone.

Dial and open front hunter case of the Josh Sewill 18K gold pocket watch
Dial and open front hunter case of the Josh Sewill 18K gold pocket watch — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key wind full hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Josh Sewill
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
11
Source-reported date
Circa 1850
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
20157

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 Exterior

The timepiece is an 18K gold full hunter pocket watch with a 55mm diameter. The case features a polished finish, an engraved train motif on the front cover, and foliate decoration throughout. The movement and cuvette are protected by an inner dust cover.

The watch is constructed with a hinged case. The exterior is stamped 'P&R N.Y.' and includes a presentation inscription located on the cuvette.

Evidence for this section
  • “Size: 55mm”
  • “Polished hinged with engraved decoration of a train to the front and foliate decoration throughout”
  • “case stamped P&R N.Y.”
  • “presentation inscription to cuvette”
  • “inner dust cover”

Dial and Visual Features

The white dial features black Roman numerals, a black outer minute track, and blued steel Fleur-De-Lys hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock.

A black-and-white image of James Lewis Carroll Robinson is positioned on the dial at the 3 o'clock index.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White, black Roman numerals, black outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6, black and white image of James Lewis Carroll Robinson at 3, blued steel Fleur-De-Lys hands”

Movement and Maker

The watch is attributed to Josh Sewill of 61 South Castle Street, Liverpool, and is described as a key-wind full hunter pocket watch dated to circa 1850.

The gilt full-plate movement is numbered 20157. Technical specifications include a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance and a diamond end stone.

Evidence for this section
  • “Josh Sewill, 61 South Castle Street, Liverpool.”
  • “Date: Circa 1850”
  • “Gilt full plate, cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, diamond end stone, No.20157”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the 'P&R N.Y.' mark on the case?
  • What is the specific text of the presentation inscription on the cuvette?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Josh Sewill 18K Gold Key Wind Full Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker Address61 South Castle Street, Liverpool“Josh Sewill, 61 South Castle Street, Liverpool.”
Model NameRailway Timekeeper“Model: Railway Timekeeper”
Movement DetailsGilt full plate, cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, diamond end stone, No.20157“Gilt full plate, cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, diamond end stone, No.20157”
Dial FeaturesPortrait of James Lewis Carroll Robinson at 3“black and white image of James Lewis Carroll Robinson at 3”
HandsBlued steel Fleur-De-Lys hands“blued steel Fleur-De-Lys hands”
Case Size55mm“Size: 55mm”
Case StampingP&R N.Y.“case stamped P&R N.Y.”

Visible details

  • Front cover opened to the left reveals an intricately engraved outer lid pattern.
  • A printed black-and-white portrait miniature is clearly visible at the 3 o'clock position on the white dial.
  • Large circular bow and onion-shaped pendant sit at the 3 o'clock orientation of the hunter layout.

Research qualifications

  • Engraved train motif on the front cover is not visible in this opened-dial view.
  • The cuvette presentation inscription and inner movement are concealed and not shown.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : Josh Sewill, 61 South Castle Street, Liverpool. An 18K gold key wind full hunter pocket watch presented to James Carroll Robinson Railway Timekeeper, Circa 1850

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5d3fbbe01d

Terms in this record

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