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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Lever escapement pocket watch mechanism

Massey patent lever escapement pocket watch mechanism by Litherland, Davies and Co.

Partially verified

This uncased pocket watch mechanism features Massey's patent modified lever escapement with a large balance wheel designed to beat seconds and support centre-seconds operation. The source documents the movement as produced between 1795 and 1805 in Liverpool, England, by Litherland, Davies and Co. under movement number 11197. Constructed of brass and steel, the visible top plate displays engraved signatures including 'LIVERPOOL' and the serial number, along with a decorated balance cock bearing the inscription 'MASSEY'S PATENT' and a curved regulation index marked 'F' and 'S'.

Top plate view of the uncased movement showing the balance cock inscribed 'MASSEY'S PATENT' and the large balance wheel
Top plate view of the uncased movement showing the balance cock inscribed 'MASSEY'S PATENT' and the large balance wheel — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Movement · Lever escapement pocket watch mechanism
Maker / attribution
Litherland, Davies and Co.
Reference
1920-557
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1795-1805
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
11197

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 Markings

The object is an uncased pocket watch mechanism catalogued under Science Museum Group object number 1920-557, recorded as on loan from Bruno Roberts. The source attributes manufacture to Litherland, Davies and Co. of Liverpool, England, with an estimated date range of 1795 to 1805.

Visual observation of the top plate shows an engraved location reading 'LIVERPOOL' and serial number '11197', alongside the partial script inscription 'therland' beneath the balance wheel. The balance cock includes a banner engraved with 'MASSEY'S PATENT' and an index scale marked with 'F' and 'S'.

Evidence for this section
  • “by Litherland, Davies and Co., Liverpool, England, 1795-1805.”
  • “no. 11197”
  • “credit: On loan from Bruno Roberts”

Movement Architecture and Escapement

The movement is composed of brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal), with recorded overall dimensions of 13 mm by 52 mm and a weight of .055 kg. A large steel balance wheel is visible running beneath the engraved balance cock.

The catalog entry describes the mechanism as 'Massey's patent modified lever escapement with large balance wheel beating seconds, centre-seconds', while also classifying the type as 'spring-driven watch mechanism and deadbeat anchor escapement'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal)”
  • “Measurements: overall: 13 mm 52 mm, .055 kg”
  • “Massey's patent modified lever escapement with large balance wheel beating seconds, centre-seconds”
  • “type: spring-driven watch mechanism and deadbeat anchor escapement”

Completeness and Source Limitations

The assembly is an uncased mechanism without a documented case, dial, or handset. The supplied imagery displays only the top plate side, leaving the dial side and any remaining motion work unviewed.

Operational condition and specific internal escapement details beyond the museum's stated classifications are not recorded in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Massey patent lever escapement pocket watch mechanism”
  • “Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.”

Open research questions

  • Which variation of Edward Massey's patent lever escapement is implemented internally between the plates of movement no. 11197?
  • Does the pillar plate retain the centre-seconds drive train or dial mounts?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Massey patent lever escapement pocket watch mechanism by Litherland, Davies and Co.
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1920-557“Object Number: 1920-557”
Maker and OriginLitherland, Davies and Co., Liverpool, England“by Litherland, Davies and Co., Liverpool, England, 1795-1805.”
Serial Number11197“no. 11197”
Escapement DescriptionMassey's patent modified lever escapement“Massey's patent modified lever escapement with large balance wheel beating seconds, centre-seconds”
MaterialsBrass and steel“Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal)”
Measurementsoverall: 13 mm 52 mm, .055 kg“Measurements: overall: 13 mm 52 mm, .055 kg”
CategoryTime Measurement“Category: Time Measurement”
TypeSpring-driven watch mechanism and deadbeat anchor escapement“type: spring-driven watch mechanism and deadbeat anchor escapement”

Visible details

  • Engraved balance cock banner clearly reads 'MASSEY'S PATENT'
  • Movement plate is engraved 'LIVERPOOL' and numbered '11197'
  • Large steel balance wheel is visible under the balance cock
  • Curved regulation index scale is engraved with 'F' and 'S'
  • Part of the maker signature 'therland' is visible engraved in script on the plate beneath the balance wheel

Research qualifications

  • Movement is uncased and lacks dial, hands, and case
  • Dial side is not shown

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

Consulted source

Massey patent lever escapement pocket watch mechanism | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record c3af6810d8

Terms in this record

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