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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pair case pocket watch

Pocket Watch in Silver Case by Dumbill

Partially verified

This verge pocket watch with a silver pair case was made by Jos. Dumbill in Prescot, Lancashire, between 1800 and 1834. Bearing movement or production number 416, it is catalogued as having a silver top plate, centre seconds, and hallmarks. The white enamel dial is arranged with an upper subdial displaying hours with Arabic numerals, a lower subsidiary dial, and a central seconds track. Constructed of silver, brass, and enamel, the piece measures 24 mm by 58 mm by 80 mm and weighs 0.15 kg.

Front oblique view showing the dial, hands, crystal, and silver case
Front oblique view showing the dial, hands, crystal, and silver case — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pair case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Jos. Dumbill
Reference
1916-113
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1800-1834
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
416

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 Provenance

This verge pocket watch is identified in the collection records as the work of Jos. Dumbill of Prescot, Lancashire, and is associated with production number 416. The institution attributes the piece to the period between 1800 and 1834.

The object is registered under the collection number 1916-113. The museum notes that its records are subject to ongoing enhancement and improvement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Verge watch in silver pair case by Jos. Dumbill, Prescot, no.416”
  • “1800-1834”
  • “Object Number: 1916-113”
  • “Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved”

Dial and Exterior Observations

The watch features a white enamel dial containing an upper subdial marked with Arabic numerals and a lower secondary subdial equipped with a blued hand. A centrally mounted gilt-toned seconds hand includes an open-circle counterpoise and a decorative pointer.

Physical inspection of the dial reveals fine hairline cracks radiating across the central surface. The exterior consists of a smooth silver pair case, complete with a pendant, ring, and an attached metal clip.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with an upper hours subdial featuring Arabic numerals and a lower secondary subdial with a blued hand”
  • “Centrally mounted gilt-toned centre seconds hand with open-circle counterpoise and decorative pointer”
  • “Visible fine hairline cracks radiating across the central area of the enamel dial”
  • “Smooth silver outer pair case with pendant, ring, and attached metal clip piece”

Construction and Materials

The construction utilizes silver, enamel, and brass (copper, zinc alloy). The watch measures 24 mm by 58 mm by 80 mm and has a total weight of 0.15 kg.

Catalogue records indicate the presence of a silver top plate and hallmarks; however, these specific internal features are not visible in the provided photographic record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) , enamel and silver”
  • “overall: 24 mm x 58 mm x 80 mm, .15kg”
  • “silver top plate, centre seconds, hall marked”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks are present on the case to confirm the 1800-1834 dating?
  • Can the internal silver top plate be documented through non-destructive imaging to confirm the catalogued attribution?
  • What is the functional purpose of the metal clip attached to the outer pair case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket Watch in Silver Case by Dumbill
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and OriginJos. Dumbill, Prescot“Verge watch in silver pair case by Jos. Dumbill, Prescot”
Number416“no.416”
Object Number1916-113“Object Number: 1916-113”
MaterialsBrass (copper, zinc alloy), enamel and silver“Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) , enamel and silver”
Dimensions and Weight24 mm x 58 mm x 80 mm, .15kg“overall: 24 mm x 58 mm x 80 mm, .15kg”
FeaturesSilver top plate, centre seconds, hall marked“silver top plate, centre seconds, hall marked, 1800-1834”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with an upper hours subdial featuring Arabic numerals and a lower secondary subdial with a blued hand
  • Centrally mounted gilt-toned centre seconds hand with open-circle counterpoise and decorative pointer
  • Smooth silver outer pair case with pendant, ring, and attached metal clip piece
  • Visible fine hairline cracks radiating across the central area of the enamel dial

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, silver top plate, and hallmarks mentioned in the catalogue text are not visible in the closed-case photograph.

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch in Silver Case by Dumbill, 1800-1834 | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 2a9a39a27a

Terms in this record

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

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