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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Markwick Markham Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch is a horological object from the early 19th century, attributed to the London-based Firm of Markham, Marwick et Marko. The Metropolitan Museum of Art maintains the item within its European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, where it is identified by the accession number 83.1.78a–c. The watch is constructed from silver and horn, measuring approximately 2 3/4 inches (7 cm) in diameter. The dial is signed "Markwick Markham" with "London" beneath the center. This object arrived at the museum as part of the bequest of George White Thorne in 1883. It is documented as part of the museum's holdings, with physical components comprising silver and horn materials. The timepiece remains a recorded entry in the museum's collection database, documenting its provenance and material composition.

The dial and case profile of the Markwick Markham watch, showing the signature and physical state of the instrument.
The dial and case profile of the Markwick Markham watch, showing the signature and physical state of the instrument. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Firm of Markham, Marwick et Marko
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
83.1.78a–c
Source-reported date
early 19th century
Source-reported place
British, London

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

Physical Description and Materials

The object is a pocket watch measuring 2 3/4 inches (7 cm) in diameter. It is constructed using silver and horn as its primary materials. The exterior of the casing features an decorative aesthetic, notably displaying an illustrated figure holding a cross, positioned between two architectural columns.

The dial is engraved with the signature of the makers, identifying the timepiece as a product of the London firm. The dial design includes specific markings consistent with early 19th-century pocket watch production, including the signature mark across the center.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter: 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)”
  • “Watchmaker: Firm of Markham, Marwick et Marko”

Provenance and Documentation

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the holding institution for this timepiece. It was acquired by the museum in 1883 as part of the bequest provided by George White Thorne.

The museum catalogues the watch under the department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, assigning it the collection number 83.1.78a–c. The museum serves as the primary source for the identification of this object's history and classification.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 83.1.78a–c.”
  • “Credit line: Bequest of George White Thorne, 1883”

Maker and Historical Attribution

The watch is attributed to the Firm of Markham, Marwick et Marko. The documentation locates the manufacture of this instrument in London, categorizing it as British in origin and dating it to the early 19th century.

Research suggests that potential verification of the maker's attribution and specifications should be cross-referenced with established horological records. The current identification remains based on the museum's provided archival data.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch by Firm of Markham, Marwick et Marko, British, London, early 19th century”
  • “Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks are present on the inner case back of the 83.1.78a-c watch?
  • Can the movement serial number be reconciled with the attributed early 19th-century production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Markwick Markham Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFirm of Markham, Marwick et Marko“Watchmaker: Firm of Markham, Marwick et Marko”
Dateearly 19th century“early 19th century”
CountryBritish, London“British, London”
MaterialsSilver, horn“Silver, horn”
Dimensions2 3/4 in. (7 cm)“Diameter: 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)”
Accession Number83.1.78a–c“83.1.78a–c”
AcquisitionBequest of George White Thorne, 1883“Bequest of George White Thorne, 1883”

Visible details

  • Decorative outer case featuring a figure with a cross between two columns
  • Dial signed 'MARKWICK MARKHAM' with 'LONDON' beneath
  • Silver bow and stem configuration
  • Visible accession number 83.1.78b on the dial edge

Research qualifications

  • Museum records suggest maker attribution, but internal hallmarks and movement details are not explicitly described
  • Authenticity of components like dials or hands has not been verified

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

Consulted source

Watch by Firm of Markham, Marwick et Marko, British, London, early 19th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b934fa84f4

Terms in this record

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

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